Thornhill Manor Retirement Village sweetened the deal this September, World Alzheimer’s Month, with a fundraising initiative that was both delicious and meaningful.
To support those living with dementia and raise awareness about the disease, the retirement village hosted a cupcake sale featuring specially designed treats that carried important messages about Alzheimer’s.
“What a lovely day for a cupcake sale it was!” says Jackie Scott, deputy manager of the village “It was the first Spring Day in years that was not cold.
“Organiser Vicky Keenan was supported by a passionate sales team consisting of Val Tyrteos, Christine Human, Gretha Pecararo, and Yvonne Ciapparelli. Ronnie Mann, a resident of the village, assisted in transporting residents, tables, and chairs to the Flamingo Shopping Centre in Modderfontein, where the sale took place.”
Within 90 minutes, all of the 130 cupcakes – beautifully iced and bearing awareness flags – were sold out. The cupcakes were donated by Mark Verhoogt of De Backery and residents Maggie Bold and Yvonne.
Vicky, a village resident qualified occupational therapist and DIYer, is one of the people heading up Thornhill Manor’s month-long Alzheimer’s awareness campaign. She used her workshop skills to create themed posters, banners and flags.
“Her passion to create awareness about the disease is unwavering, and there was a lot of interest and requests from the public to do more awareness drives,” says Karen Griessel, care co-ordinator at the village.
Alzheimer’s awareness
It is normal to occasionally forget names or appointments and then later remember them, says village social worker Karen Griessel. “While normal age-related changes do not significantly interfere with daily functioning, Alzheimer’s symptoms start to disrupt work, social activities, and independent living.
“There is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but lifestyle changes can lower the risk and potentially slow its progression,” she says. These lifestyle changes include maintaining cardiovascular health, adopting a healthy diet, and exercising.
“Staying mentally and socially active, avoiding smoking and drinking, and dealing with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by getting treatment and support may not cure the disease, but will contribute to improved quality of life.”
Cupcake icers Val Tyreteos, Yvonne Ciapparelli and Marie Burkett enjoyed each other’s company while getting the job done.
Val Tyrteos, Christine Human (Thornhill Manor frontline staff member), Gretha Pecararo, Yvonne Ciapparelli and Vicky Keenan sell cupcakes at the Flamingo Shopping Centre in Modderfontein.
