Businesses join hands for the elderly
GRAAFF-REINETVarious local organisations and businesses collaborated to transport nearly 600 elderly persons to and from vaccination points.
A total of 588 elderly individuals above the age of 60 were successfully vaccinated due to this initiative. Some of the elderly people were transported from as far as Adendorp to Midland Hospital.
The project was initiated by a non-profit organisation, Davids’ Uplift & Care Foundation. Founder Hento Davids says the project was born from an outcry in the community.
“Elderly persons were stranded and could not afford it financially to travel to the hospital for vaccinations”.
He says it was further confirmed after a discussion with an 80-year-old grandmother that she had to walk slowly one morning from Umasizake to Midland Hospital to get jabbed.
Davids says he met with several organisations and three buses were made available by Union High School, SANParks and Le Roux Funerals. Davids expressed great gratitude to Abie le Roux and Derek Light for availing and sponsoring fuel for load hauling.
He says after observing this experience he realised many persons with comorbidities are still not vaccinated.
“Many elders with disabilities, including wheelchairs and persons that are bedridden, need special efforts to be vaccinated urgently.”
He urges all entities who wish to partner with his organisation to do so freely.
Davids says everyone involved has shown great commitment to the plight of the elderly. He thanks other organisations who also contributed to the success of this initiative.
“A big thanks to the management of SANParks for availing transport and taking care of our elderly with such great passion and a special thanks to Correne from Gift of the Givers for supplying refreshments to the staff and the elderly.”
The list of entities that also contributed includes the Fire Department. Davids also praises the Midland Hospital vaccination staff for the way they received and welcomed the elderly.
“The management and staff were very professional and patient in the way they conducted themselves.”
He thanks everyone who supported the initiative.