The house of a Lentegeur pensioner was among the first on a long list of residences in need of maintenance that a Westridge-based organisation hopes to tackle.
The daughter of Stephanus Pienaar reached out to Lighthouse Abuse Outreach Organisation asking for assistance with her parents house which needed the ceiling replaced and a security gate at the front.
On Saturday November 12, the Lighthouse team, a group of volunteers put up the security gate and next week a team may tackle the ceiling.
Mr Pienaar, 69, said recently policemen were chasing a suspect who jumped over their low front wall, seeking refuge.
“It is not safe for us,” he said.
Inside the house they have buckets placed all around to catch rain dripping through cracks in the ceiling.
Mr Pienaar said he was grateful for the assistance.
George Marinus, a trauma counsellor and founder of the Westridge-based organisation, said it was privilege to be able to help the seniors but that it was only possible with donations, sponsors and volunteers.
“We acknowledge what they had done for us, in raising us and building our communities. They acknowledge us for our work and contribution,” he said.
The Lighthouse team is offering free maintenance to the elderly people of Mitchell’s Plain.
They are now seeking the community and businesses’ assistance to support senior citizens within their communities to maintain or improve their homes, furniture, general repairs, plumbing repairs, appliance repairs, upgrades, painting, garden maintenance or building repairs.
They are asking for donations or sponsorships to buy the necessary materials. Argon Steel had donated the gate and volunteers Erefaan Cassiem, from Eastridge, and Shaun Petersen, from Factreton, installed the gate.
“Our seniors require assistance as they are no longer able to afford or perform these repairs on their own,” he said.
Mr Marinus also called for donations of clothing, toiletries, groceries or combination hampers.
“Any donation great or small will be greatly appreciated by the Lighthouse team and the senior recipients,” he said.
For more information and to donate call Mr Marinus on 084 872 4652.