Greetings dear Readers,
Time just seems to be flying by lately, doesn’t it? And we have really not had a bad winter, as a matter of fact I was saying to someone the other day that if this is winter, it seems we are going to cook when summer comes
We have been SO blessed this Mandela month, and I have so much to share with you!!
Repairs and refurbishing have been done to Camelia House, and they now have a fresh coat of paint inside and out to brighten their days. Although I am unable to mention names, the people who have helped us with this know who they are and also know that their efforts are appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.
The front yard at Camelia House has been paved for ease of movement with wheelchairs and walkers and looks so much neater!
One of the new companies we have approached, helped us with boxes and boxes of toiletries, cleaning materials and treats for our homes.
We also had a surprise visit from Universal Woman 2024, she looked like a total celebrity and the children and old people SO enjoyed her visit!
And this I just HAVE TO share with you!!! Remember a while back I told you about Sandy’s son that had found her after she had to give him up for adoption more than 50 years ago? Well, he came from America to meet and visit with her at last!! It was extremely emotional for both of them, and Sandy’s church arranged a welcoming braai to celebrate this auspicious occasion! The way these two look alike is just amazing.
On Mandela Day, we had a phenomenal event together with various other companies and organizations which was extremely well organized. There was food, hot showers, haircuts, clothing, mentors in psychology, drug addiction, prostitution and spiritual matters. There was a mobile clinic too. Over 1200 people were fed and clothed, and quite a few participated in the hot showers too 😊 One of the people that had assisted at the clothing kiosk was enormously moved. She had one guy come for clothes that was extremely skinny, but he insisted that he would like extra-large clothing. She says that she realized that poverty has no criteria ☹ We are thankful for the heartfelt moments, stories and experiences of our stakeholders, NPO’s, volunteers and community members and we extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this remarkable day. It was truly inspiring. So many people were overjoyed at receiving clothing, shoes and gift packs, not to mention the warm food.
We had visits from various companies, some bringing gifts (as you would see below) and some entertaining our children and elderly with a dog show.
The kids also enjoyed a day out for a picnic and playtime, as well as having manicures and pedicures.
The birthdays for the month of August is as follows: Skylar, who is doing so well at soccer (and school) is 11 on the 7th, Gracie came to us together with her sister and 2 brothers when she was 4, and is now turning 8 on the 22nd. At Camelia House JoAnne, who was a ballerina in her young days and still walks like one, is 89 on the 26th and Nadine, a phenomenal woman, will be 65 on the same day. Auntie Angie used to be our accountant years ago and will be 91 on the 12th and Rolf, who was a driver and mechanic for Resthaven for many years is 82 on the 18th.
And to finish Mandela Month off, our elderly had an amazing breakfast at Spur due to loving-kindness of a special donor.
Well, Guys, that’s been our absolutely amazing month and although our homes and residents really had the best of it, for which we are truly grateful, we have been somewhat pulling on the short end of the stick as far as finances are concerned these past few months.
We are still going ahead with the project of refurbishing the old office building (which is huge and used to be a clinic) to create another home for less-fortunate elderly people. The amount of requests we receive from pensioners for accommodation is mind-boggling and our waiting list is long! I find it incomprehensible that there are so many elderly people with no support systems, nowhere to go and no-one to help them! To this end, we really need to install extra showers and geysers, as well as applying a fresh coat of paint inside and out to make it as cheerful and welcoming as Camelia House. If anyone can help with the showers and gas geysers, or know of someone that can, we would be most grateful!
That’s us for Mandela Month 😊!
HUGE and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood by us, your help in caring for our cause cuts deep and we are truly grateful for your kind hearts!
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His Face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn His Face toward you and give you peace – Numbers 6:24-26
Warm greetings from Resthaven’s Fundraisers ❤️❤️❤️