“A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future. Let us strive to enhance their capacity to support themselves for as long as possible and, when they cannot do so anymore, to care for them." ~ Nelson Mandela in a message announcing 1999 as the United Nations International Year of Older Persons, 17 December 1998.

The Association for the Aged (Tafta) is calling on members of the public to make their 67 Mandela minutes count during the month of July by contributing towards the care of the elderly, a cause close to the International icon’s heart.

Options for participation in Tafta’s Mandela Month observations include Tafta’s annual Family Fun Walk on 15 July, a contribution towards Tafta’s Winter Care Kit toiletry collection drive and participation in various activities planned at Tafta’s residential facilities in and around Durban on Mandela Day, 18 July 2017.

Tafta currently accommodates approximately 1,700 elderly who are of sub economic status (reliant solely on the state pension). These residents are often in need of basic toiletries such as toothpaste, soap and adult nappies, creating the need for the toiletry collection drive. Donations of toiletry items can be made at any of our residential facilities, or you can bring along your contribution to our annual Family Fun Walk event on 15 July.

“My simple appeal to people in our community is to take a moment and reflect on the possibility of a better world and know that each of you have the power to act in a way which serves humanity.

As an organisation steeped in a history of service, in our case, to the aged, we believe strongly in the simple call to action that is inspired by Mandela Day. Each of us, in our individual capacities, has the ability and responsibility to change our world for the better.

Apart from it being the day set aside for us as South Africans to pay homage to the man who changed the course of our country’s history, the day presents ordinary South Africans with an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves. By taking that first step in reaching out to those in need of help, I believe we awaken within our communities the spirit of goodwill and the ideology that the we can personally effect positive change in our world through our individuals contributions, not just on a single day of the year, but daily, through charitable actions that speak far louder than words,” says Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.

With a host of activities planned to keep kids entertained for the morning, including a jumping castle, face painting and non-permanent hairspray, the family-oriented Family Fun Walk event promises to be a great way to notch up your 67 Mandela Minutes, together with your family and social network. Participants can choose to walk the easy 2 km stroll at a cost of R20, or 5km route at R50 if you’re up for a challenge. The walk on Saturday, 15 July, will commence at 8am from the Amphitheatre at Durban’s beachfront along the promenade to uShaka Marine World and returns to the amphitheatre.  Registration opens at 7am on the day. Save time by pre-entering online at ROAG (www.roag.co.za). Goodie bags will be handed to the first 100 people who register online.

Proceeds from the walk this year will contribute towards supplementing our needy pensioner’s fund that supports caring for elders, as well as towards the Winter Care Kit drive. For more information contact Ateesha on 031 332 3721.

For those looking to participate in Mandela Day activities at one of Tafta’s residential homes, which include the planting of healing gardens, home cleans and tea parties, an activity list can be found on Tafta’s website at www.tafta.org.za, or call Pranisha on 031 332 3721. “In addition, each year, we send out a request to the homes for a wish list of items needed at each facility. This list too, can also be found on our

website for interested donors,” explains Samuels. Wish list items include library books, medical aid kits, toiletries, furniture and grocery hampers.

For more information on how you can get involved contact Ateesha or Siyabonga on 031 332 3721 or email ateesha@tafta.org.za OR log onto

Website: www.tafta.org.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAFTA.KZN/

ENDS...

CONTACT:

For media enquiries contact Gail Samuels on: 031 332 3721 or email: gails@tafta.org.za

Website: www.tafta.org.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAFTA.KZN/

Twitter: @TAFTA_SA

ABOUT Tafta â€" The Association for the Aged

Tafta is one of South Africa’s leading, registered non-profit organisation in Care in KZN.

Established in 1958, for more than 5 decades, Tafta has been the leading provider of Care focusing primarily on the needs of the elderly and vulnerable groups in Durban.

Our unique value proposition lies in creating value for clients and our partners with a key focus on outcomes and benefits. Our strength in healthcare, community outreach programmes and community development initiatives are our main differentiators.   We seamlessly integrate our services with best in class processes and programmes that maximise efficiency, quality, safety and service excellence.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to encourage and promote active ageing in older people-to live as independent members of the community for as long as possible, and to care for those who are no longer able to look after themselves.   Our aim is to alleviate distress of the elderly and other vulnerable groups by using our resources in the most effective and efficient manner and where the need is greatest.

SIMONE SAMUELS

T: 031 208 7275 | C: 081 578 8783 | F: 086 618 4482

mailto: simone@blackbookmedia.co.za

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