In autumn this year the Kleinbegin Service Centre in Worcester approached The Golden Valley Casino for assistance with running a blanket drive. With winter fast approaching the Service Centre was concerned very few of the people who rely on the services of the non-profit could afford to buy warm blankets.
The casino began a blanket drive in March. This week they were able to hand a warm blanket over to each of the 50 beneficiaries at the Kleinbegin Service Centre.
Visitors to the property donated a portion of the blankets while the casino donated the remainder.
Kleinbegin runs programmes for the elderly to enhance their well-being and independence. It keeps them busy with sewing and other activities, and ensures they receive cooked meals.
Explaining Golden Valley Casino’s participation in the drive, General Manager Keenan Bergins said: “This initiative was very close to our hearts as some Kleinbegin beneficiaries are confined to wheelchairs, so the blankets play a vital role in keeping them warm during the day as well. Pensioners are already among the most vulnerable members of society, and while winter is hard for younger people it becomes much harder as we age. Not only is this group more sensitive to the cold, but many of them also lack the means to keep warm, so hypothermia poses a very real risk for them.”
Service centre coordinator Beaulah Vlok said: “We would like to thank Golden Valley for the support it has shown to us over the years, and to its customers who so generously donated blankets this year. Life is a struggle for many of the people we support. Some have to rent accommodation in wendy houses, squatter camps, garages and caravans, which they can scarcely afford, and they do not have a warm blanket to wrap around themselves.”
