A bit of kindness goes a long way
For the past 20 years, 65-year-old Annalie Oosthuizen has not taken a back seat when there is an opportunity to help.On Friday, as many times before, Annalie dropped off numerous donations at the Eastern Court retirement home in Windhoek and, with the help of her grandchildren, personally handed them over to each resident.
"At the moment I am helping the elderly who live in government old age homes and have to take care of themselves completely," says Annalie.
She says the residents may only live there if they just receive a state pension. She thinks there is not much left after paying the electricity and water bill.
"It is sad to see that there is nothing in their cupboards and that what they wear is falling apart. These elderly people are forgotten and neglected like the buildings they live in," says Annalie.
Annalie is not part of a charity, but does everything herself.
"I can take care of myself and work with the help of the Lord and caregivers. Support from my family also makes a difference."
The focus of Annalie's charity work is caring.
According to her, she especially helps at Eastern Court and Senior Park and even other older people who live alone and are suffering. Annalie currently helps around 48 old aged persons.
"I know everyone's clothing and shoe sizes and all their needs. Then I ask around and I always get something," says Annalie, who then collects all the goodies she sources and goes to deliver them personally.
Door deliveries
"The donations are divided, names written down and delivered door to door."
Annalie says that she has learned over the years not only to drop the donations off. "Nothing is given away in batches. With years of caring, I've learned to deliver it directly and know where everything is going."
She also says that it puts a lot of pressure on the caretaker if they have to choose who the donations should go to because there is not always enough for everyone. She therefore decided to divide it between the residents herself and take the responsibility herself.
"It is easy for me, because I do not represent a specific institution and therefore work independently. This makes it easier to remain objective and not get involved in the resident's daily dramas."
Annalie adds that it is better for her to take care of the same people all the time rather than going around to different people. "I deliver to Eastern Court first before I move on to a next group."
This past Friday, parcels were once again handed over to the residents of Eastern Court.
Large bags full of tinned food, porridge and noodles, among other things, were handed out. INDO Atlantic and Grundleger sponsored the items.
Annalie's three grandchildren, Leona, Isabel and Willem Oosthuizen, helped distribute the packages.
"The joy and gratitude is great in my and their hearts. It's amazing to see what it means to them when you stand in front of them with donations of care." – [email protected]