LIDGETTON SENIORS CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP
Aseniors club in Lidgetton needs help to repair its clubhouse, which has been destroyed by vandals.
The Sizakancane Senior Citizens Club serves the community by ensuring that older members of the community are not left home alone all day.
They are provided with food and care and assisted with medication while children in their households are at school. The club also provides crafting activities and a physical fitness programme to its nearly 40 members.
The clubhouse is located on a piece of municipal land in Lidgetton, for which it holds a 99-year lease.
There is space at the back for a large vegetable garden, which, if cultivated, would ensure the sustainability of the club's feeding scheme.
In the meantime, Sizakancane has moved into a tiny room at the community hall as a temporary measure.
“It’s not always ideal, however,” says Sarah van Heerden, spokesperson for Love Howick, which is running a project to help the seniors club. “For example, if the hall is booked, they have nowhere to cook or meet.
“Space is severely limited and the kitchen is too small to cook large quantities of food safely.”
After meeting with the club members, the uMngeni Mayor's office asked if Love Howick could help Sizakancane to rebuild the clubhouse, from floor to roof, and to provide the organisation with furniture, catering equipment and other items.
The project will entail installing new floors and ceilingboards, replacing damaged roof sheets, installing gutters and downpipes, repairing courtyard walls, installing an awning, repairing and replacing window frames and glass panes, replacing doors and installing burglar guards, painting, putting up new exterior fencing and installing nonslip tules and paving slaps.
The assistance of plumbers and electricians is needed for the installation of electrical plug points and a prepaid meter, and to install plumbing and a tank for rainwater harvesting.
Other items which are needed include: a storage cupboard, first aid box, cutlery and crockery, pots, a microwave, fridge, freezer, stove, trestle table and chairs, kitchen cupboards and a sink.
“We also need a Wendy house that can be used as rented accommodation,” Van Heerden said. “This will generate a small income for the club while ensuring that the tenant will also act as a security guard/caretaker to prevent further loss.”
Residents and businesses in the Midlands can help the club by making a financial contribution, by donating goods, or by offering their services or labour for the building project.
To make a cash donation, you can use the following banking details: Love Howick NPC, FNB Cheque Account 62774727039, reference: SENIOR CITIZENS.
To find out more about the project, send an email to marketing@lovehowick.com