Pretoria, 26 March 2021: The event was hosted to pay homage to their employees for their hard work, resilience, sheer heart, and determination to fight the COVID-19 pandemic during difficult and uncertain times. Everyone was reminded and amazed that it has been a whole year since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the level 5 national lockdown in March 2020.
For most of us, the national lockdown has been an emotional rollercoaster taking us from one level to the next. The staff working at Fleurenville had to face the threat of contracting the virus whilst performing essential services to the residents. For many of them, it has been an emotional and psychological battle.
Sophy Leballo, a nurse at Fleurenville for the last 3 years shared her experience on Covid. “It was scary at first, but we felt safe and protected in that time of lockdown. The most important thing to me in the past year has been the togetherness, the love and to care for one another. I’m really grateful for the gift. It was unexpected and makes me feel acknowledged and appreciated”.
However, they have not allowed the COVID cloud to get them down. The team focussed on keeping the residents busy with creative and fun activities to fill the gap of no regular visits from loved ones.
Alida Viljoen, a resident at Fleurenville since October 2020 shared her experience on Covid and said, “It was a big shock, but we realised to survive we must accept the circumstances and adhere to Fleurenville’s Covid-19 regulations as all they wanted to do was to protect us. I loved the bowling and playing rummy cup the most during lockdown. Also, the people at Fleurenville welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I’m at home. I really enjoy it here”.
The event resulted from a collaboration between Fleurenville, the residents’ family members, and sponsors. The day’s highlight was seeing the staff receive sentimental gifts, especially packed and beautifully decorated in shoe boxes and bags. Every staff member was beaming with joy and excitement, as well as a few teary faces from the communal experience and precious sentiment from the management team at Fleurenville.
