Life’s a Journey with Rand Aid
The commitment of Rand Aid Association to the elderly in Lyndhurst and surrounds is indicative of its longevity. Whilst very few non-profit organisations are able to survive harsh economic climates, Rand Aid has pulled out all the stops to ensure its legacy for over 100 years.
‘Rand Aid requires commitment on so many levels, to ensure that we continue to meet the daily needs of the struggling elderly who form part of our subsidised accommodation projects and outreach programmes,’ says Rae Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Rand Aid Association.
Huge commitment is shown daily by the staff of two of Rand Aid’s Social React Division’s villages, Thembalami and Tarentaal. Whilst Tarentaal offers subsidised rental accommodation for the elderly with limited means, Thembalami caters for men and women of all races, over the age of 65, who are either physically or mentally frail, or both, and who are in dire need of frail care.
‘Tarentaal caters for the many senior citizens who receive only their government pension, a lowly sum for an individual looking to survive never mind live comfortably,’ explains Brown.
The home offers 110 one-bedroom and 190 bedsitter apartments to residents over the age of 65. Numerous facilities are available to residents, right on the property, presenting little need for them to have to travel. Should they wish to do so, however, weekly trips are arranged to Balfour Park and Greenstone Shopping Centres by bus.
‘The need for personal care and wellbeing at Tarentaal is continuous. By offering 24-hour nursing care and a range of other services, our employees work tirelessly to create a healthy living environment,’ he adds.
Thembalami, meaning My Hope, offers frail care to senior citizens who have very little to offer in terms of payment. Many residents suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia, which is a large undertaking in terms of care from the nursing staff.
‘Perhaps the most heart rendering of all, is how few family visits these residents receive and the fact that, although we as the general public realise we are aging, we do not take proper care of the aged in our very own families,’ says Brown.
Quit 4 Good and The Bambabnani Outreach Programme at Wedge Gardens:
Rand Aid’s Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre in partnership with Friends for Life – an organisation dedicated to helping people with or affected by HIV / Aids throughout South Africa – is in the process of developing the Bambanani Outreach Treatment Programme to target substance abuse in Alexandra, Johannesburg.
The first phase of the project will deal with the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, and early intervention thereof – focusing on children infected with or affected by HIV / Aids.
Expected to be run from the Alexandra Community Centre and consist of bi-weekly groups, the programme will offer support, education and guidance to children between the ages of six and 18, in the hope of addressing the huge alcohol and drug problem in Alexandra.
The programme will also include a feeding scheme for the children, as many of them are part of child-headed families and often have only one meal per day. Once running successfully, the project will be extended to adults suffering from HIV / Aids and addiction.
Operates in: Edenvale, Gauteng
Established in: January 2003
Non-Profit Organisation Number: 000-605
Public Benefit Organisation Number:
Section 21 Company Number:
Trust Number:
Contact person: Carol Steyn
Phone: 011 882 2510
Fax: 011 882 4670
Email:
Website: www.randaid.co.za
Physical address: Cnr. Wordsworth and Modderfontien Roads, Edenvale
Postal address: Private Bag X03, Lyndhurst, 2106
