Latest news with #MaxOrdmanDeafAssociation
The Citizen
26-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Thembalami welcomes back elderly gogos for Mandela Month celebration
In the spirit of Mandela Month, Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) warmly welcomed back a group of cherished older women from Alexandra, affectionately known as the 'gogos'. These women were previously part of Thembalami's Zamokuhle outreach programme. Although the 14-year-long Zamokuhle programme ended in June 2023 due to budget cuts by the Department of Social Development, the bond between Thembalami and the gogos remains strong. ALSO READ: St Benedict's learners serve thousands for Mandela Month The reunion, held on July 16, marked a heartwarming return for the women to the centre that had supported them for over a decade. During the 67-minute Mandela Day celebration, the gogos joined residents and staff for a day filled with joyful activities. The programme included light exercises, singing, and a creative session making pom-pom dolls. The handmade dolls, along with bibs made by Thembalami housemother Jane Mogwale and resident Jo-Ann Weyerman-Noble, were later donated to Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre in Lombardy East, extending the day's goodwill even further. ALSO READ: Volunteers uplift community at Impilo's Mandela Day event Tsakani Shihlomule, Thembalami's occupational therapist, said, 'This initiative was our way of giving back to the community and reconnecting with the gogos who remain close to our hearts.' The event concluded with warm conversations over tea and scones.
The Citizen
26-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Mandela Day kindness: Tarentaal seniors gifted blankets by Stoneridge Centre
Tarentaal Retirement Village residents had their bodies and hearts warmed this Mandela Day when Stoneridge Centre arrived with 100 blankets. The game of Bingo that was happening in the Tarentaal hall was happily halted when the centre arrived to drop off the blankets on July 18. ALSO READ: Volunteers uplift community at Impilo's Mandela Day event Nearby Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association also received gift of blankets.
The Citizen
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sing along brings fun to Thornhill Manor
A sing-a-long had community members tapping their toes when Thornhill Manor residents gathered last month. Vicky Keenan, a retired occupational therapist and resident, organised the event. Brian Burls and fellow resident Gavin Standing provided the entertainment, singing old favourites that took the residents down memory lane. 'A picture slideshow preceded each song, and those gathered had to use the visual clues to guess which song they would sing next,' said Karen Griessel, the village's social worker. ALSO READ: Thornhill residents gather for annual celebrations 'Music is a powerful force that evokes strong emotions, brings heartwarming memories and provides a way to express yourself. 'Older adults can significantly benefit from listening to music, as it gives them an outlet for creativity, socialisation and mental stimulation,' she said. 'Singing enhances mental well-being by releasing endorphins and oxytocin, hormones associated with happiness and reduced stress. It can effectively combat anxiety and depression, providing a natural mood booster,' explained Karen. She added the experience was nostalgic for everyone, bringing back memories of younger years that put smiles on their faces. ALSO READ: Games bring smiles to Thornhill residents 'Brian was quick to ask his wife to dance when a song that is dear to their hearts played,' she shared. The pair recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Afterwards, the group mingled and enjoyed tea and cookies, and Vicky spoilt everyone with Easter eggs. Residents of nearby Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA), like Thornhill Manor, run by the Rand Aid Association, were invited to join the fun. Previously, the Happy Chatters have also interacted with residents of Ron Smith, another Rand Aid care centre. Elize Raath, deputy manager of Thembalami Care Centre, said their residents had a wonderful time, enjoyed the tasty treats and loved the sing-along! 'These social connections enhance overall mental and emotional well-being,' explains Karen. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
