By Lone Lourens | Marketing and Fundraising Manager
A Continued Focus on Sustainability
Woodside Sanctuary remains dedicated to sustainability, particularly through the installation of a solar energy system that is capable of generating enough power for the entire facility. This initiative promises long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. In 2024, we achieved a major milestone: the successful installation of solar power for our borehole pump, ensuring a reliable water supply during power outages or load shedding.
Our collaboration with Rotary Clubs in Johannesburg and Australia continues as we work toward securing additional support for this essential project.
A Proactive Approach to Maintenance
Woodside Sanctuary has adopted a new approach to proactive maintenance, focusing on identifying and addressing potential risks before they impact the safety or well-being of our residents and staff. This strategy involves regular, thorough inspections of our facilities and grounds, ensuring that all areas are in optimal condition. By anticipating issues such as structural wear, environmental hazards, and equipment malfunctions, we can take swift action to prevent disruptions or emergencies. Our commitment to proactive maintenance extends beyond just physical infrastructure; it includes monitoring systems and ensuring that all resources necessary for care—such as our water purification system and therapeutic equipment—are consistently maintained and functional. This approach reflects our dedication to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment where both residents and staff can thrive, free from preventable challenges.
Change in Social Worker
Woodside has been fortunate to have had Mr. Pat Ngwenya as our social worker for the past five years. Pat’s dedication to our community brought immense joy to both our residents and staff, as he formed meaningful connections along the way. Recently, Pat received a wonderful opportunity for a higher-paying position in Child Protective Services, and August 31 marked his final day with us. While it was an emotional farewell for our team, residents, and families, we wish him all the best in his new role and deeply thank him for his outstanding service to Woodside.
We are excited to announce that Mr. Tshiamiso William Dibodu has joined us as our new social worker. With a strong academic foundation and valuable hands-on experience, William has quickly become an integral part of our team. His commitment to our residents and passion for social work are already evident, and we are confident he will have a positive impact on Woodside.
Welcoming a New Staff Member to the Marketing and Fundraising Department
To strengthen our social media presence and outreach, Woodside created a new role: Junior Marketing Coordinator. After an extensive hiring process, we appointed Balungile Memani, who joined us on October 21st. With her expertise and fresh ideas, Balungile is already making an impact, including the launch of our new social media initiative, Empower Hour. We are excited about the growth this role will bring to our marketing efforts.
Radio Interviews
Woodside received fantastic exposure through two radio interviews in November. On November 1st, Marketing and Fundraising Manager Loné Lourens was featured on Cape Talk, and on November 7th, General Manager Kirsten Williams spoke on Young Bloods 5 on Five FM. These interviews raised awareness about Woodside’s mission and the residents we serve.
Annual General Meeting 2024
Woodside proudly held its 69th Annual General Meeting on November 2nd, a significant occasion to reflect on our journey and share the progress we have made. The meeting highlighted the strides we have taken in our financial recovery following the challenges we faced in late 2023. Despite the difficulties, we are pleased to report that, with the incredible support of our dedicated families, donors, and partners, Woodside is now in a much stronger financial position.
However, while this progress is encouraging, fundraising remains essential to the sustainability of our mission. Continued support from our community ensures that we can provide the highest standards of care for our residents, develop impactful programs, and meet the growing needs of those we serve. The generosity and commitment of our supporters are critical in helping us achieve long-term success, and we remain deeply grateful for their ongoing contributions to Woodside’s vision and mission.
Educational and Training Advancements
Our ongoing partnership with the Department of Education continues to enhance our educational programs at Woodside. This year, one of our teachers achieved ECD (Early Childhood Development) Level 5 accreditation, which will further improve the educational experience for our residents by integrating advanced strategies.
Additionally, three residents were placed in autism-specific schools, enabling them to receive specialised education tailored to their unique needs. These placements allow them to reach their full potential in an environment designed to support their growth. Through this partnership, we remain committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities that empower our residents to thrive.
Feel-Good Stories
Gratitude for Generous Donations
Albert Wessels Trust
In September, Woodside had the privilege of hosting a site visit from the Albert Wessels Trust, followed by a comprehensive application process. We are delighted to share that this led to the Trust's support for our stimulation programs, which play a crucial role in the holistic care we provide to our residents. The Trust not only recognised the importance of these programs but also encouraged us to reapply for funding for our solar project. This endorsement and continued support from the Trust are vital as we continue to develop sustainable and impactful care solutions at Woodside.
RAWCS and our Founders Daughter
Through the assistance of RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service), Woodside was able to secure a solar-powered borehole inverter in September. This invaluable donation ensures a reliable and consistent water supply for our residents and staff, wether we have municipal power to run our borehole pump or not. We are profoundly grateful to our founder's daughter, Patricia Veale, for her unwavering commitment to this project, as her dedication has made a significant difference in the lives of all at Woodside.
Maersk and CoSo Health
In September, we were incredibly fortunate to receive a generous donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) from Maersk and CoSo Health. This donation was a game-changer, significantly reducing our medical expenses and ensuring that we had the necessary resources to protect our staff and residents during any challenging period that we may face. The donation not only alleviated financial pressure but also demonstrated the kindness and generosity of these organisations. We deeply appreciate their support, which has enabled us to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all at Woodside.
Special Events and Celebrations at Woodside Sanctuary:
Spring Day Celebration – September 2nd
This annual celebration marked the arrival of spring, a time of renewal and growth. Bright colours filled the atmosphere as staff, residents, and volunteers gathered to enjoy a vibrant and lively day. The event featured a variety of fun and engaging activities tailored to the interests and abilities of Woodside’s residents (referred to as "angels"), ensuring they could actively participate and feel included. A special lunch was served, featuring seasonal delights that added to the sense of festivity. The goal was to create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere that celebrated the new season while uplifting spirits and fostering community connection.
Rotary New Dawn Golf Day – October 25th
Held the prestigious Parkview Golf Course, this event brought together community members and supporters in a spirited day of golf. The Rotary Club of Johannesburg New Dawn Golf Day was not only an opportunity for friendly competition but also a means to raise essential funds for Woodside Sanctuary. The proceeds from the event will be directed towards an important initiative: the Solar Installation Project. The goal of this project is to enhance the sustainability of Woodside by reducing energy costs, thus ensuring that more resources can be allocated towards the care and well-being of the residents. The event was a success, with a high level of participation and generosity from sponsors and participants alike, reinforcing the ongoing partnership between Woodside and the local community.
Annual Staff Long Service Awards – December 4th
On December 4th, Woodside had the honour of celebrating our dedicated team members at the Long Service Awards. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to recognise both our 2023 and 2024 awardees with a special meal and heartfelt appreciation. We are especially grateful for this support, as we were unable to celebrate our 2023 awardees last year due to the challenging circumstances we faced. This thoughtful gesture allowed us to express our deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment and service to Woodside, acknowledging the years of hard work and dedication they have contributed to making Woodside Sanctuary a place of excellence.
Christmas Celebrations - December 13th
We recently celebrated our annual Christmas events, which included two staff parties and a resident celebration on December 13th. With Santa Claus, festive entertainment, and the generous support of our donors, these celebrations were filled with joy and unforgettable moments for everyone involved. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to bring the Woodside community together, spread holiday cheer. The festive atmosphere, complete with gifts and entertainment, made this year’s celebrations a time of joy and unity for the entire Woodside family. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Trustgro Development (Pty) Ltd for their generous donation toward the meals provided at both the staff and residents' Christmas functions.
Challenges and Unexpected Expenses
Borehole Water Purification
Increased mineral seepage had highlighted the need for an upgraded purification system, costing R88,000. Although our water remained usable, this issue required immediate attention. We are deeply grateful to the James Ritchie Charitable Testamentary Trust for their generous donation, which enabled us to replace the chemicals needed to maintain the quality of our borehole water. This invaluable support has played a crucial role in ensuring that our water supply continues to meet our needs.
Ageing Resident Care
As our residents grow older, they experience a range of additional health challenges that require ongoing attention and adaptation to our care strategies. The ageing process can bring with it a variety of issues, including mobility limitations, increased vulnerability to illness, and additional cognitive changes. At Woodside, we remain committed to providing personalised care that evolves with these challenges. This includes tailoring our holistic nursing and stimulation therapies to address the specific needs of our ageing residents. Our staff undergoes continuous training to ensure that they are equipped to support residents in managing these changes, maintaining their dignity, and enhancing their quality of life. By continually adapting our care practices, we strive to ensure that our residents remain comfortable and safe while receiving the highest standard of care throughout their ageing process.
Rockslide and Tree Felling
In January, Woodside faced a significant rockslide that posed safety risks to both residents and staff. In response, after assessments, we took proactive measures in September to address the safety concerns. This included clearing unstable trees that could have further threatened the safety of our environment. Additionally, we undertook repairs to the damaged perimeter fencing, ensuring that our residents remained protected and secure. These actions reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and stable environment for everyone at Woodside. We continuously assess and address any potential hazards, ensuring that our site remains a secure space where residents can thrive.
In Closing
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the progress and support that have carried us through. Thank you to all our supporters on GlobalGiving who contribute to Woodside’s mission. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our residents and their families.
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By Lone Lourens | Marketing and Fundraising Manager
By Lone Lourens | Marketing and Fundraising Manager
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