Ikamva Labantu is hosting a Santa for Seniors campaign, and they hope to hand out 1400 stockings stuffed with treats to bring the festive cheer.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 October 2021) – A Christmas ‘stocking’ full of treats and personal care items will make a world of difference to many isolated senior citizens living in Cape Town’s townships this year. The Santa for Seniors campaign, run by the Ikamva Labantu NPO, hopes to gift 1400 participants in their Senior Citizens Programme with items on their wish list.
These include personal care products such as socks, face washcloth, shampoo, soap, Vaseline and Camphor cream, as well as non-perishable items like tea, coffee, custard, two-minute noodles, jelly, sweet treats, biscuits, sweets and rusks.
Filling up one stocking with all the items for one senior costs R400. This includes R100 airtime or data vouchers for WhatsApp or phone call check-ins – which are a lifeline for many elders living on their own.
These small ‘stockings’ may seem modest, but to many solitary seniors, they’re a welcome boon, especially at a time when most people are surrounded by supportive family members. As such, the gift box not only serves to aid with practical items, but also as a comfort – reinforcing that people do care.
Several elders express their gratitude for Santa for Seniors: “This makes me feel special knowing that there are people who value me, because many others have no one to buy them presents. I feel happy that there are people who think about me,” says Mama September.
Mama Booi adds: “I feel so happy when I receive the shoebox from Ikamva Labantu. I feel loved.” Mr Sikhumbo Mazishana agrees, “At this age there are no people who care, or even think about my birthday, and I myself even sometimes forget it – so the shoebox takes the place of my birthday.”
Participate in Santa for Seniors and empower those most in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Ikamva Head Office in Woodstock Cape Town. Corporate collections can be arranged. Call Barbara Miller on +27 (0) 82 890 2555 to coordinate deliveries.
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