It’s been a long winter amidst the country’s third health pandemic wave, a time in which community elderly citizens remain the most vulnerable.This is the impetus behind Waterloo Solar’s Elderly Care Programme, which identified the most vulnerable elderly community members, to benefit from this hearts and mind projects. Joining hands with a local NGO, ‘Age in Action’, which works under the Department of Social Development, care packs were delivered to 45 elderly members of the Dithakwaneng, Stella and Colour block.
“As Age-In Action, we joined with Waterloo Solar to ensure that our elders live in dignity. Most of our beneficiaries live in very poor conditions, so this project will assist in improving the living conditions of our older persons,” said Tshidiso Monageng, Age in Action, Community Development Worker.The project delivered care packs containing winter blankets; groceries, CV-19 face masks and hand sanitisers, as well as vegetable seeds and seedlings.
The addition of vegetable seeds and seedlings is to help put fresh food into the diet of the elderly. “Having a garden ensures that our vulnerable elderly are able to have an ongoing supply of fresh vegetables, plus gardening is also a good way to get them to take regular exercise outdoors, which has a range of benefits,” explained Claire Phutieagae, Community Liaison Officer for Waterloo Solar, who added that the project also aimed to bring comfort to the elderly so that they know they are remembered, cared for and still recognized as valued community members and of society.
As part of the ongoing Socio-Economic Development Strategy, Waterloo Solar will continue to implement Goodwill Initiatives within the beneficiary communities that fall within the 50km radius of the project.
