A day of dignity, friendship and a little pampering

KNYSNA NEWS - For many elderly residents in Knysna's poorer communities, the last Wednesday of every month has become a date to look forward to.

It is the day when Changes of Knysna, a community organisation based in Hornlee, hosts its monthly pamper day for elderly and disabled residents.

Serving with dignity
And it is about far more than a bowl of soup. For the people who attend, it is a chance to get out of the house, enjoy a warm meal, have a cup of tea or coffee, catch up with friends and, perhaps most importantly, feel valued and cared for.

"We serve them with dignity," says Charmaine Sinclair, founder of Changes of Knysna. "It is about creating a place where older people can feel seen, remembered and included."

The organisation supports elderly and disabled community members in Hornlee and other areas, including Nekkies, Dam se Bos, Oupad and Kaalkol.

Sinclair and her team initially started soup kitchens after recognising the needs in these communities, but their work has grown into something much broader.

"We do not only run soup kitchens, but also help with various social problems in the communities," she says.

Welcome Wednesdays
On the last Wednesday of each month, the organisation puts the spotlight firmly on its elderly residents.

The day starts with something as simple as a warm cup of tea or coffee and something sweet, followed by bread and soup and later a light lunch.

But the food is only part of the experience.

The monthly gatherings have become a social occasion where residents can spend time together, chat and enjoy a few hours away from the isolation that can sometimes accompany old age.

"They are looking forward to the last Wednesday of the month and get very excited when that time comes," says Sinclair.

Tour of Knysna
Recently, Changes of Knysna took that idea of companionship a step further when it treated 35 elderly residents to a minibus tour of Knysna.

For some of the passengers, it was an opportunity to see parts of their own town from a different perspective, visiting landmarks and attractions more commonly frequented by tourists.

One of the stops was the Old Gaol Museum, where a local artist introduced the group to different painting techniques.

The outing also included a welcoming lunch, giving the residents another opportunity to sit together, chat and enjoy each other's company.

For Sinclair and her helpers, creating these moments is just as important as providing food.

Thank you to sponsors
The organisation faces financial challenges every month, however, and relies heavily on donations and the generosity of people in the community.

Sinclair says the support they receive, including donations from members of a community information group towards T-shirts for the pensioners, has helped make events such as the recent outing possible.

"We would never be able to have such a successful event without our sponsors," she says. She also appeals to people in the wider community who are able, to contribute to the cause. Despite the challenges, Sinclair and her team continue their work.

"We are still serving them with pride," she says.

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