As this holiday season approaches, it is important to remember that not everyone will be lucky enough to enjoy the festive season with family and friends.
Angels of Hope an NGO started in Welkom by Cecilia Thebesoa, along with members of her church, is a group of about 15 volunteers who seldom get paid a cent for what they do and are truly angels for the elderly and sick in the area. Not only do they visit the elderly but if they are sick they also organize a doctor’s visit. “The elderly get lonely and cannot leave their homes, so Angels of Hope often brings them together to teach them about eating healthily and looking after their bodies and their minds,” explains Rosy Mokoane, an employee at African Bank’s Metro branch in Welkom and a cousin of founding member Cecilia Thebesoa.
Even people from the surrounding areas that have heard of this work now bring the elderly from their communities to Angels of Hope.
“I used to donate a little when my cousin came to Welkom for supplies,” says Rosy. “I saw the good work she was doing with old and sick people, whose children and family had basically abandoned them.”
Rosy saw a way to assist the Angels even further when African Bank started its Community Champion Awards – a way to encourage the staffers to make a difference in the lives of the communities in which they operate and serve. Rosy’s motivation made her a winner in her area and when she received money from African Bank she was able to buy food, adult diapers and blankets for winter. “It is so important that these people live with dignity,” explains Rosy.
On the day of the handover there were tears of joy, hugs, and singing.
A big thank you must also go to African Bank Branch Manager, Esmeralda Vorster and former staffer Victor Stenger for all their support. “Thank you also to Thandi Mabaso and to the branch cleaner Mabela Sigwela who helped carry all the items and groceries from the shop. We hope this story inspires some to remember that this time of year is really a time of giving and remembering those who are without family and loved ones,” she concludes.
ENDS