Imagine not being able to afford soap, deodorant or toothpaste!

It’s not easy to hold your head up and face the world when you’re feeling self-conscious about personal hygiene. In fact, it’s downright degrading! And that’s something we never want our elders to feel.

Especially someone like Mr T.

When he first came to live at Tafta after retiring from a job in the corporate sector, this charming old gentleman was always immaculately dressed, and the smell of aftershave lotion lingered in his wake. He quickly made a large circle of friends and was involved in all the home’s activities. Bowls once a week ... afternoon tea with friends in the lounge ... games evenings ... dances – he was really enjoying his golden years.

But as time went by, Mr T changed from a happy, outgoing charmer to a lonely recluse. He no longer took pride in his appearance or participated in the activities he used to love. He started avoiding people and spent more and more time sitting alone in his room. Until we found out why.

Mr T’s pension fund was drying up and he was going without soap and toothpaste in order to pay for food and medicines. His confidence deserted him – he couldn’t face his friends with unwashed hair and bad breath.

If he was the only one in this predicament, we wouldn’t need your help. But this just one of many pensioners forced to make the impossible choice between food, medicines, or toiletries.

And whilst food and medicines are essential to life, it’s not much of a life when you’re stripped of your dignity.

Providing essentials like nutritious meals, home-based care and accommodation takes most of the funds we have.

That’s why we hope someone like you will extend a helping hand ... to give a pensioner the precious gift of dignity.

Your donation of R250, R500, or any amount you can spare helps ensure that elderly people like Mr T are provided with essential toiletries. They won't even know that this precious gift comes from you. It won’t be handed over with a flourish like a normal gift. Instead it’ll be quietly made available to them.

Because the most important thing you’re giving is the gift of dignity.