South Africa

Caring for the elderly

Braving the chilly winter weather, some Aspen Nutritionals employees visited the Tembisa Society for the Care and Welfare of the Aged in honour of Mandela Day.

The facility is a NGO which was founded by the Tembisa community in 1975 to cater to the needs of around 150-250 disadvantaged elderly folks from the age of 60 to85 years. These pensioners are cared for at least thrice a week. The Centre depends heavily on donations, the goodwill of the local community and businesses in the surrounding area.

The outreach activities on the day included cleaning the facility, repairing faulty items and painting the property. The Aspen team also handed over steel tables for the dining hall, a gas stove, a gas heater, knitting wool and needles as well as groceries and vegetables. Some employees assisted by cooking a meal while others started a garden where the elderly can exercise and spend quality time.

A sustainable vegetable garden was also created to help provide fresh produce for the meals provided at the centre.

The elderly residents were very grateful for our contributions as well as the hearty meal and fresh fruit that we served to them.