All Rand Aid residents are invited to get involved and make Rand Aid Rock!
If you’ve spotted a colourful rock tucked into a tree, peeking from a flower bed, or hiding in the clubhouse at Elphin Lodge, you’re not alone – and you’re in for a delightful surprise!
What started as a mystery has blossomed into a village-wide movement of creativity and connection. Inspired by the popular ‘Cape Town Rocks’ initiative, an anonymous Elphin Lodge resident began placing brightly painted rocks around the retirement village earlier this year. Each rock features cheerful art and a sticker that reads: ‘Elphin Rocks – keep me or re-hide me’.
The idea is simple but powerful: Paint a rock, place it somewhere around the village, and wait for someone to discover it. The lucky finder can either keep the rock as a memento or re-hide it for someone else to enjoy. It is a little treasure hunt with a big heart!
Soon after the first few rocks appeared, the Elphin Lodge Art and Craft Group jumped in with paintbrushes at the ready. Jenny Sella, the group’s co-ordinator, was thrilled by the response.
“We were all enchanted by the idea,” Jenny shares. “Even the guys are loving it! Usually, people start fidgeting toward the end of a session, but when we painted rocks, I had to tell everyone it was time to pack up because no one wanted to stop!”
Armed with acrylic paints and Sharpies, the group transformed ordinary rocks into colourful works of art, from cartoon sheep and playful ducks to whimsical flowers, butterflies, and joyful splashes of colour. The rocks are first painted with a base coat, which needs to dry before decorating. Impatient artists found a clever solution: Drying the rocks in the microwave. “Let’s just say we’ve discovered the secret of hot rocks!” laughs Jenny.
The ripple effect has been felt across the village. One day, a staff member discovered a painted rock in reception and, thinking it had been left behind, went looking for its owner. Instead, she uncovered a beautiful act of anonymous goodwill.
Now, painted rocks are popping up everywhere – in the library, at the clubhouse, even nestled in unexpected corners of the gardens. “It brightens your day when you find one,” Jenny says with a smile. “It’s such a simple way to spread happiness.”
It’s the Rand Aid way!
This joyful initiative perfectly complements The Rand Aid Way, an ethos officially launched by the Rand Aid Association earlier this year. Elphin Lodge deputy manager, Hlumela Anderson, explains that this campaign is about more than just values. It is about creating a fulfilling way of life.
“The Rand Aid Way encourages strong relationships, personal growth and a sense of belonging,” says Hlumela. “Projects like Elphin Rocks show how residents are living these values, bringing colour, joy, and connection into everyday life.”
The HEARTS Pledge, signed by both staff and residents during the February 2025 launch events, captures the spirit behind the initiative. By embracing Honesty, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, Trust, and Support, everyone at Rand Aid is building a community that uplifts and inspires.
Calling all Rand Aid residents
Residents across Rand Aid are encouraged to get involved and make this a Rand Aid Rocks initiative. “Whether you’re a painter, a seeker, or someone who simply loves a surprise, join in the fun! Grab a rock, get creative, and add your art to the growing collection – let’s ‘cross-pollinate’ the rocks across the various villages,” says Elphin Lodge manager Debbie Beech.
“Paint whatever you like and remember to add the wording: ‘Keep me or re-hide me’.”
A member of the Elphin Lodge Art and Craft Group paints a rock.
