When a retired teacher was found wandering and confused, the school’s Old Boys’ Association rallied to secure him a spot in a retirement home. The ripple effect of kindness that followed has not only seen an elderly man now in a safer home, but given the sweetest group of crocheting oumas purpose and brought warmth to those who really need it.
Durban, South Africa (24 June 2025) – Sometimes the most beautiful moments are orchestrated from the most unexpected beginnings. In the busy streets of Musgrave in Durban, an elderly man had been discovered lost and confused. His photo was shared on Facebook, where he was recognised as a retired Durban High School teacher.
It was further found that the former teacher had been living very frugally in a flat on the beachfront. But through the school’s Old Boys’ Association, a crowdfunding initiative was launched to finance and secure him a spot at the Garden View/Tuinsig Retirement Centre.
A member of the Old Boys’ Association, Mickey Wilkins, happened to be linked with the Domino Foundation, and a connection between the charity and the old age home was made. It was at that very home that a beaming group of ladies who found joy in crocheting blankets and scarves were soon discovered by the Domino Foundation’s Marketing Manager, Karen Brokensha.
The story became an even greater heart-warmer when these cosy creations were donated to Red Light, Domino’s anti-human-trafficking programme.
In partnership with Every Nation Church’s street outreach, the entire complement of residents of Domino’s Othandweni safe house spend time with women on the streets of downtown Durban, praying with them before leaving them with a small gift and a sandwich.
On their next trip, they will be taking the very scarves and blankets made by the grannies at the retirement home to help keep the chill away for the ladies they meet.
Karen said that the whole story had been one of what she calls the #DominoEffect:
“Starting with an elderly man lost on the streets and finally leading to women who are forced through circumstances to earn a living on the streets…a whole section of the community comes together and many lives are impacted in one way or another.”
Karen invited others who would like to help underserved people on Domino’s programmes keep warm to call 031 110 7030.
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