An initiative created to share love and joy over Christmas with the ‘forgotten’ elderly has snowballed into something a lot bigger. Here’s how you get involved.
Cape Town, South Africa (11 December 2016) – The initiative was inspired by the original Santa Shoebox but created by Angela Gorman, who originally wanted to make 47 Senior Santa Shoeboxes for the very frail and lonely people in Doordrift Lodge in Plumstead.
The original Santa Shoebox Project is an incredible concept giving thousands of underprivileged children presents for Christmas in South Africa.
“I knew that there were a few people who might not have families or get gifts over this time so I went to the home and was really shocked when I heard that all 47 residents would not have the joy of Christmas.”
Hundreds of thousands of older people are ignored by society. Many older people are left lonely and without any regular social contact in homes that are rarely visited.
The lack of concern for the elderly contributes to low standards and mistreatment in care homes and as many as 1,000 incidents of abuse and neglect are taking place every week in residential homes.
Gorman started the idea and it soon became a lot bigger than expected!
“We visited all the homes, got a list of the residents & worked out their wants and needs before distributing the names to all the amazing community members who wanted to help.”
Gorman and her daughter Ciara spent the last couple of months of 2016 organising and picking up wonderful gift packs from both the Southern and Northern suburbs of Cape Town. They never expected it but enough people donated so that all the residents of 3 different old age homes in Cape Town could be recipients of the boxes.
“The excitement and happiness in the residents faces is obvious. If you live in Cape Town, please consider joining this drive next year. It meant so much to these elderly ladies and gents.”
Various rooms at the homes were beautifully transformed by the staff, and it was a visual Christmas treat as the residents came in for lunch. They had no idea they were also getting gifts.
“Santa’s first call was the residents in Frail Care who could not believe what was happening. Then, when he rang his bell as he approached the dining room, the excitement was palpable.”
“Some residents were moved to tears.”
“I think the decorations on the boxes made the most impact, as the residents read their names and enjoyed the moment.”
The initiative has inspired so many and serves as a huge reminder to not forget about our older generation, especially over the Christmas season.
“Hendrietta Diko Othman posted: “I’m the manager at one of the recipient homes. I wish to express my sincere gratitude, much appreciated. I can assure you, many hearts will overflow with joy. I want to thank you all from the deepest of my wellbeing. God bless you all for your time, effort and kindness. We don’t take any of this for granted!”
Trish Cooper Sutton added: “It is such a joy to see so many people giving to the old folks. They have lived such rich lives and are not to be forgotten. Good to see that there are good giving souls all around us amidst the chaos…. we sometimes just need to look carefully. Blessings to you all!”
They are planning on growing even more next year, sharing love and joy with even more elderly for Christmas. Click here to get involved.
Sources: Facebook
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