For more than three decades, Corobrik has empowered local communities through generous donations provided by its Ubuntu Community Chest initiative. This community empowerment continued with the Community Chest’s recent donation to KwaMashu Christian Care Society, an NPO that assists the elderly and vulnerable in society.

“Corobrik is committed to assisting communities in areas where employees reside,” explained Thilo Sidambaram, Corobrik Marketing Support Manager. “When deciding on recipients for the Community Chest, we first consider local, community-driven projects or organisations with a proven track record. KwaMashu Christian Care Society ticks all the boxes and we are truly impressed with the services and operational standard of this incredibly worthwhile organisation.”

Established in 1984, The KwaMashu Christian Care Society offers three tiers of assistance. The first is its frailcare centre which houses 95 individuals aged 60 years or more in its dormitories. They are provided with complete healthcare and housing at the KwaMashu residence, without which, many would be left completely destitute.

The second tier is the outreach programme â€" Sizanani - which offers elderly community members training in crafts, handwork, sewing and other skills to assist in earning some form of income. Efforts are also being made to secure land so that crops can be grown to further assist with poverty alleviation and sustenance.

The third tier of the society’s assistance is a creche, which operates from 9am to 2.30pm, catering for 240 children between the ages two-and-a-half and five-and-half. The benefits associated with the interaction between the elderly and young children in such structures is gaining recognition worldwide, with the added benefit that KwaMashu Christian Care Society residents can see their grandchildren on a regular basis.

Although the society is supported by the Department of Social Development, it is reliant on charitable donations for programme funding. The society is staffed by 56 individuals including caregivers, nurses, a matron, emergency nurse, social workers, teachers and assistants. The local clinics refer people to this home and there is an ambulance to transport residents to a clinic or hospital when necessary.

Vusi Cele, Chairman of the KwaMashu Christian Care Society, said: “The running of the centre far exceeds government’s contribution so the donation has been an outstanding success in helping the organisation to meet its critical goals. We are very grateful for the support.”

The society’s dedication to community wellbeing sees them going far beyond the daily duties. One prime example is the wedding ceremony hosted by the society in 2008 for two of its residents, aged 77 and 79. Although everyone sleeps in dormitories, an area was cordoned off for the married couple, affording them some privacy.

“It’s these heart-warming gestures, showing a real care for the people of KwaMashu, that makes this such a deserving recipient,” said Sidambaram. “Just walking into the immaculate premises, witnessing elderly residents enjoying the winter sunshine with the sounds of young children singing in the background…you know this is a special place.”

The success of KwaMashu Christian Care Society and dire need for more community assistance have prompted the development a new building, funded by the Department of Human Settlements. Once completed, the facility will be able to accommodate another 80 residents, and while there is some government funding, it’s insufficient to cover all daily costs and upkeep. In addition to funding, items such as beds, equipment and reading material are also welcome donations.

This release has been prepared and distributed for Corobrik (Pty) Ltd

For more information contact Thilo Sidambaram on 031 560 3111

Distributed by Shirley Williams, contact Shirley on 083303 1663 or shirely@fcbdurban.co.za