The Sunshine Old Age Centre was covered in sunshine and love on Madiba Day, Monday, July 18, when Caltex Wavelands and partners handed over goods and vouchers to the value of R40 000.
The Sunshine Old Age Centre looks after 33 elderly people who have been living in poor conditions in Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay.
Tracy de Jager, chairperson of the Sunshine Club, which assists the centre, said that this small team makes an enormous difference to these old people, and that the goods received will make a significant difference.
“The Sunshine Old Age Centre cares for more than 33 senior citizens with only four full-time employed staff members! From providing a cooked meal three times a week, to clinic duties, exercise classes to house visits and collection and drop off medication when needed,” she said.
“They even assist with the cleaning of homes and other tasks if the person is bedridden or have mobility issues.
“For this small team it is a calling, and we could never award them enough for the love and attention they give these old people. They are more than carers – they become family,” De Jager said.
Among the dignitaries present was Councillor Daniel Benson of the Kouga Municipality, who made special arrangements to attend, after officiating at a function in Hankey earlier in the morning.
He thanked the guests for their contribution during the years raising their children. He urged them to share their wisdom and experiences with the youth.
“They, the youth, need your guidance and leadership in these times. Let us make time to gather around to talk again,” Benson said.
Craig Herman, Eyona Energy general manager: operation and sales, paid tribute to the management and staff of Caltex Wavelands.
Herman said that Eyona Energy, the franchise holder of more than 113 Caltex and Astron Energy sites throughout the Eastern Cape, strives to add value to the communities in which they operate.
Addressing the gogos and tamkhulus, grannies and grandads, oumas and oupas, he said, “Today we are here to assure you that we care; we are part of this community; your tears are our tears; your achievements are our achievement but most of all your community is our community.”
Roy Price, representing co-sponsor FreshStop SA, said that the FreshStop franchisees are very family orientated and Caltex Wavelands is no exception where every customer is treated like family.
“We are immensely proud to be associated with the Sunshine Old Age Centre and full credit must go to Caltex Waveland’s general manager, Sharon Jordan-Joubert, for identifying them as an institution in need, and in conjunction with Astron Energy and Eyona Energy set out to improve the conditions of all who use the centre in true Mandela style. So, it is fitting that we celebrate this day and, in this fashion.”
Caltex Wavelands spoilt 30 elderly members of the community with a scrumptious lunch. The attendees also received some care bags. In addition, Caltex Wavelands were able to donate a two-plate cooker, gas, cooking utensils, pots, pans, cleaning material and a security gate that will be installed to assist in safeguarding the property located in an area hampered by crime.
Through the assistance of the sponsors, Wavelands was able to pledge an additional R2 000 fuel, as well as electricity vouchers.
Tavcor Jeffrey’s Bay came to the party and donated R1 000 worth of Checkers vouchers.
Jordan-Joubert said that it was a great honour for the fuel retailer, and holding company, Imvaba, to be in the privileged position where they can serve their immediate community.
“Our elderly are often forgotten by family and friends, and they find themselves alone and struggling. Today, on Mandela Day, we pay tribute to the elderly and hope to bring sunshine into the lives of the oumas and oupas, grannies and grandpas looked after by the Sunshine Old Age Service Centre.”
