Caring people needed to sponsor meals for Durban's elders

Doris and Ray are well into their eighties. Since they retired almost 20 years ago, the cost of living has gone up and up. And their pitifully small pension barely covers the rent and electricity.

I don’t know how they would manage if not for their daily Meals on Wheels, delivered to their door by one of our cheerful volunteer ‘hoppers’. Every day, this couple can look forward to a ready cooked and nutritionally balanced meal – containing protein, starch and vegetables. Plus a bowl of soup, a slice of bread, and dessert as well!

When 79 year old Mr Naidoo had to go to the hospital recently for his regular check up, he insisted on waiting until his meal had been delivered – and then taking it with him! He particularly loves the dessert.

It’s the kindness of compassionate people like you that enables us to provide for these seniors … and many others like them.

Some of the elders we feed manage to contribute a few Rands towards the cost of their meals. But for many, even this is impossible. It costs R40 per day ... R200 per week ... to feed just one person. And we provide thousands of these meals every month. That's why we need your support.

Please don’t stand by while helpless seniors suffer. Imagine their despair and fear when they realise they no longer have enough money to live on. Especially if they are frail and weak, as Doris is.

By donating just R200 online right now, you could sponsor an elder's meals for a week. R800 covers the cost of meals for a whole month. Or, if you prefer to make a monthly contribution by EFT or credit card, it would help us to provide Meals on Wheels throughout the year.

Imagine if it was your own parents who were so desperately in need ... or even yourself in years to come! What a comfort it would be to know that others care enough to help provide a little food to eat.

And tonight – when you sit down to enjoy your own meal – I’m sure you’ll feel a warm sense of satisfaction, knowing that your kindness has made all the difference in helping an elder in need, who has no one else to help them.