Hi my name is Lisette,

I am a South African who is married to a wonderful Canadian, Leo and we live in Central Alberta, Canada. I am raising funds to cover the rent and utilities bill for 1 year, for a temporary care home for the destitute elderly in a poor region of the North Western Cape in South Africa.

BACKGROUND

Having not visited my family in South Africa since the lockdowns began in 2020, we flew out to spend time with them at the end of February 2023. During our travels, we stopped in to visit with our friends Nic and Rejane, who live in a little village, called Klawer. They shared with us the plight of destitute elderly in the North Western Cape.

As a couple, they are well known in the region for their kindness and generosity towards the needy and are dedicated Christians.

Their journey into elder care began in 2018 when they were asked to stop in and see an elderly gentleman who lived alone and suffered from mental health issues. They started by providing friendship, would take him shopping, as well as ensuring he received medical care when appropriate. He passed away about a year ago. They were approached, and offered the use of his house by the executor of his estate, for the care of other destitute elderly people, until the property could be sold. (Leaving the house unoccupied would have left it open to vandalism). That was the start of Klawer Haven.

At the beginning of March this year 2023, they were given 2 month's notice that the house had been sold and they would therefore need to vacate the house by the end of April.

In Klawer, there is very little in the way of rentals and whatever comes on the market is quite high in price and unaffordable. Providentially we found a large house just a week ago (23 April 2023) to accommodate the current six elderly people in their care, at a wonderfully reasonable rental, half the usual going price. Praise God!

They moved in on Sunday, and Monday they took in 2 additional elderly ladies, one who is recovering from a stroke and another, an amputee who had been living under deplorable conditions without running water or ablutions. That brings them to a current total of 8 residents, They also have a waiting list of elderly who cannot be cared for by family members for too much longer.

Rejane is a registered nurse, midwife, trauma specialist and nursing trainer who has worked in various communities, over the last 30 years. Rejane and her husband Nic registered an NPO 226-533 with the Dept of Social Development on the 16th of April 2019 called Haven Homes with Klawer Haven being the first one. The intent is the establishment of Haven Homes for the destitute elderly in various little towns in the region.

They purchased a piece of land from personal funds for the first Haven Home in Klawer, and will start their low-cost/eco-friendly building project as soon as they have received final building approvals from the council. Funds have been scant but they have moved forward. Part of their project is a food garden for the able-bodied elderly to participate in and to promote a lively happy atmosphere while providing fresh vegetables and fruits for the home.

They currently employ 2 full-time caregivers and 2 community volunteers who have been trained by Rejane.

Please support this worthy cause, it would so very greatly be appreciated.

Thank you!