The Rotary East Rand e-Club has partnered with Gauteng Rovers (adult Scouts) to tackle a mammoth task aimed at improving the lives of differently abled community members.
Armed with paint brushes and gusto, the club and 100 Rovers will descend on Vita Nova Centre on December 14, in an effort to create a therapeutic sensory garden for the facility’s 114 residents.
“The Springs-based organisation was established in 1977 and provides comprehensive care to individuals, aged three to 83, living with physical and mental disabilities as well as HIV/Aids,” said Nikkie Wessels, project chairperson.
The Department of Mental Health and the Gauteng Department of Education have issued a directive that requires the centre to feature a dedicated outside stimulation area to complement patient care.
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However, many residents have been abandoned or lack family support, thus throttling the centre’s financial resources.
The team of Rotarians and Rovers will endeavour to create an environment which supports sensory learning opportunities for the centre’s residents.
To bring this vision to life, business, community and service organisations are urged to lend a helping hand.
“On the day the Rovers will assemble sensory walls and adjustable boxes, paint colourful murals, create a safe surface for wheelchair accessibility, add splashes of colour to planting pots and undertake general gardening maintenance,” said Nikkie.
“We have willing and able hands to tackle the projects, but support by means of products and equipment will go a long way in ensuring the project’s success.”
Items needed:• Mobility swings• Shade port• Artificial grass• Paint• Wooden pallets and adjustable boxes• Old kitchen pots, tools, wind chimes and durable plastic musical toys or instruments• Sensory tubes, funnels, small plastic buckets, balls and sensory toys• PVC piping• Concrete, wood, bricks and steel railings• Interlocking mats• Hardy plants
For more information or to show your support, contact Nikkie on 079 493 7734 or email [email protected]
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