Nazareth House in Vredehoek has received a donation of R100 000 from the Mayor’s Special Fund which will be used to purchase industrial kitchen equipment.

The non-profit organisation is dedicated to providing dignified residential care for the elderly, including those with disabilities or age-related conditions.

Ward councillor Francine Higham presented the donation last week on behalf of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“It was a great pleasure to hand over a donation on behalf of the Mayor’s Special Fund for the purchase of industrial kitchen equipment, which will significantly assist in the preparation of meals for the residents,” said Ms Higham.

Nazareth House plans to invest in a 10-pan convection oven, an industrial vegetable cutter, and an industrial potato peeler to meet the daily meal demands of its residents while maintaining high standards.

“The 10-pan convection oven will greatly improve our ability to cook large quantities of food quickly and evenly, ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently and maintaining the high standards of quality and nutrition that our residents rely on. This will help reduce cooking times and energy usage, allowing us to meet the increased demand for meals while maintaining consistency and quality. The industrial vegetable cutter and potato peeler will significantly streamline food preparation, saving valuable time and labour,” the organisation said in a statement.

Nazareth House expressed gratitude for the City’s support, describing the donation as a game changer.

“Not only will this investment improve the quality of meals and service delivery for our residents, but it also ensures the sustainability of our organisation. With many of the items in our kitchen being over 25 years old, maintenance costs have been rising, resulting in frequent downtime and operational inefficiencies. Regular maintenance has become an increasing financial burden, diverting resources from other vital areas of care. By securing these donations, we can alleviate the financial and operational pressures that have long weighed on us,” the statement continued.

Nazareth House is part of a larger network of six facilities across Southern Africa, collectively caring for over 450 residents. The organisation provides a wide range of services to support older individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds.

“By contributing to Nazareth Care, you are not only ensuring the well-being of our residents but also helping to maintain the rich tradition of care that has been a hallmark of our organisation for many years,” Nazareth House noted.

To find out how you can get involved, visit their Friends of Nazareth website page at www.nazarethcare.co.za/friends-of-nazareth or contact us directly at connect@nazarethcare.co.za