GEORGE NEWS - The Gift of the Givers Foundation delivered 130 food hampers to staff at the Tuiniqua care centre for senior citizens in George on Tuesday 15 December.
According to a statement by Tuiniqua, the nurses, caregivers, cleaners, kitchen staff, security guards and administrative staff faced a bleak Christmas when Covid-19 protocols and financial constraints resulted in the postponement of their year-end function and staff incentives.
"To stay afloat during this unprecedented crisis, Tuiniqua had no choice but to defer year-end bonuses for all 130 employees until we could get back on our feet," said Tobie Nortjé, chairman of the board.
"This was a heart-breaking decision, especially after our loyal and dedicated staff had made so many sacrifices to ensure that our 200 or so residents were all safe, loved and cared for during the devastating pandemic."
According to the statement, this prompted Tuiniqua's centre manager, Alani Voigt, to approach Gift of the Givers for some form of Christmas cheer for the staff. She said they were touched by the many tales of staff walking the extra mile despite personal and professional hardships.
Their residents are particularly vulnerable and with the current Covid-19 spike, the staff are working so much harder.
"We are deeply grateful to Gift of the Givers for their generous donation in our hour of great need. Their kindness and compassion means a lot to each member of the Tuiniqua family," Voigt said.
"We are just glad that we could honour and acknowledge the unselfish contributions of these unsung heroes," said Mario Ferreira, Southern Cape manager of the Gift of the Givers Foundation.
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