The Executive Frail Care Centre in Morningside, Port Elizabeth faced tragedy when it was partially burnt down. The community pulled together to assist and the owners have been so thankful for all the donations.
The owners of the ‘Executive Frail Care Centre’ in Port Elizabeth have come forward to thank everyone involved in helping them care for 14 displaced elderly residents. The Care Centre sadly burnt down and an elderly man lost his life during the fire.
A couple living down the road from the home saw the blaze and kindly took in all 14 surviving residents. After that generous act of kindness, the community has continued to provide as much as possible to keep the elderly residents comfortable.
Marius and Annette Kemp, the owners and Estelle Kemp, the manager, shared their thanks in a letter to the Herald Live.
“Never have we seen a community stand together as was the case when Executive Frail Care had a devastating fire on January 12.
The Morningside Neighbourhood Watch assisted and organised donations, and assisted in moving the residents to the home down the road of Deon and Zelda Marais, who kindly opened their home to us.
DA ward councillor Sharlene Davids was there for most of the day arranging with Disaster Management to deliver beds, mattresses and blankets.
Pastor Philip Voight stayed with us for most of the day and had counselling sessions with the staff members.
Donations started streaming in – food, clothes, toiletries, drinking water, bedding, too much to mention.
The community of Port Elizabeth, not only Morningside, opened their hearts and donated whatever they could.
We do not have the names and contact numbers of all the wonderful people who made donations, but we would like to thank each of you from the bottom of our hearts.
You do not realise the difference you have made in the residents’ lives during this trying time.
Businesses really did such a lot for us and St John’s is currently supplying lunches every day.
The Department of Social Development assisted.
The radio stations aired requests for donations – you guys are great.
Last but not least, we would like to thank the families of the residents who stand by us and who keep on supporting us.
We love your family members as if they are our own.
The owners with help from the community once again have started cleaning up and repainting the part of the centre not affected by the fire, while we are waiting for the insurance company to start the renovations.
The residents will return to a new-look [sic] frail care centre.”
It is wonderful seeing communities pull together during tough times. This story is a testament to the kindness people are capable of.
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