Rand Aid Association’s Thembalami Care Centre recently held a prayer gathering for all of its residents and staff.
“We feel blessed to have been Covid-19 free during the third wave, and wanted to give thanks,” says Elize Raath, Thembalami’s deputy manager, who organised the event in collaboration with the centre’s occupational therapy technician Neo Sefuthi.
Thembalami’s residents and staff, who wanted to, read a prayer for those who attended the gathering. Hymns and songs of gratitude, from various religions, were also played.
Residents Heather Abrams, Jessie McDevitt and Brian Crosley each read a prayer; while former teacher Jennifer du Preez, who is blind, recited the Lord’s Prayer from memory. “She did it so beautifully,” says Elize.
Thembalami’s driver Jacob Bahumi and another staff member also said a prayer.
“The gathering showed us how much our staff and residents needed a spiritual morning,” says Elize.
“At the end of the proceedings, everyone was given an opportunity to light a candle in thanks or in memory of a lost loved one,” she adds.
“The event left a sense a unity amongst staff members and residents, appreciation for each another and a sense of positivity for the future,” says Lara Hurwitz, Thembalami’s social worker.
“Residents who had been very anxious, said they felt a sense of calm after the event,” she adds.
