Psychology student Cassandra has successfully raised funds for Our Lady Of Fatima Old Age Home after she became inspired to transform the space with luscious greenery for the residents to enjoy.
Benoni, South Africa (30 August 2024) — Third-year psychology student Cassandra Jardim has raised a small fortune to transform a Benoni-based old age home!
As the place where her own Avó (Portuguese for grandmother) volunteers and the spot where she attended Portuguese lessons, the Lady of Fatima Old Age home has an important space in Cassandra’s life.
While so much of Lady of Fatima is rich with community and cultural connections for its residents, Cassandra knew that a special flora-proud addition could make their lives there that much more enjoyable.
“The lack of an outdoor seating area where [the residents] could socialise, relax and enjoy nature was raised. This sparked an idea to create a serene outdoor space that would bring joy and comfort to this vibrant community,” Cassandra shared.
With a plan to doll up the home with flowers, greenery, outdoor umbrellas for shade and seating arrangements for the residents to take in natural pleasures, Cassandra got to work to raise funds.
However, the idea to give the residents a luscious space was not just aesthetic. As Cassandra (who is studying at the South African College of Applied Psychology) explains, the sensory stimulations from plants, fresh air and time spent outside can help greatly in reducing agitation, slowing down cognitive decline and improving the mood of residents—particularly those who have dementia—as well as inviting people to socialise in open spaces.
“[It was] a chance to give back to the community that nurtured my love for the Portuguese culture and to honour my Avó’s selflessness,” Cassandra said.
Since her campaign started a month ago, she has successfully reached her target (just R50 shy of the R12,000 goal), and the new area has already been set up, making for a new heartwarming hotspot at the home.
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