Thornhill Manor retirement village, Thembalami Care Centre and Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) joined forces to generate awareness around Alzheimer’s disease and raise funds for their occupational therapy departments at a fun walk held at Thornhill on 22 September.
The walk was very well supported, with 85 people gathering in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place annually on 21 September, to raise awareness of the disease, dementia, common symptoms and risk factors.
Residents were encouraged to take part and get their friends and family to sponsor them for the walk. Thanks to everyone’s support, the target of raising R10 000 was easily reached, with over R20 000 being raised.
“Our fun walk was a huge success and the residents had an absolute ball. Spirits were high and laughter abounded,” says Karen Griessel, Thornhill Manor’s care coordinator.
“There were three distances to choose from – 0.65km, 0.82km and 1.05km – to ensure that walkers of all abilities – including those who have a wheelchair or walker – could take part,” she adds.
Thembalami and MODA manager Esme van der Walt says the residents thoroughly enjoyed the walk and expressed her appreciation to everyone who raised funds for the occupational therapy departments.
“We will be purchasing much-needed occupational therapy equipment for our residents and spicing up our occupational therapy department by getting new curtains,” she says.
“Thank you to Thornhill Manor resident Vicky Keenan who runs our occupational therapy department for her initiative and organising the event, and to our Happy Chatty Walkers, who were an inspiration on the day,” says Esme Erasmus, manager of Thornhill Manor.
