Members of the community have responded positively to a recent appeal for support from Father Law Home, a facility dedicated to caring for the elderly. Following a social media campaign calling for assistance, the home, which houses 26 residents, was visited by various organizations, business leaders, and individuals eager to help.
Sister Rosa Domowai, a caregiver at the facility, expressed her gratitude for the swift response, noting that visitors arrived the same day the appeal was made public. Two prominent businessmen each donated $5,000, along with food items and other essentials. Sister Domowai remarked, “We are thankful that people are reaching out, recognizing, and showing compassion for our elderly. Our prayers have been answered.” However, she emphasized the need for sustainable support to ensure the long-term well-being of the residents.
The facility is currently facing challenges such as paying caregivers’ wages, managing bills, and providing necessary supplies. Sister Domowai highlighted the staffing issues, explaining that caregivers are often required to juggle multiple roles. For instance, they often serve both as caregivers and cooks, and the home relies on volunteers to assist during busy hours. Furthermore, they depend on a single driver for transportation, resorting to taxis for hospital visits when he is unavailable.
Sister Domowai is hopeful that the government will take more decisive action to provide increased support in the upcoming financial year. She called for the line minister to visit the home personally to gain insight into the critical challenges they are facing. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, acknowledged that the home had submitted a partial request for additional funding. She indicated that they are currently awaiting an audit report, a standard procedure to ensure the responsible use of public funds, before further government assistance can be provided. Additionally, she mentioned the importance of donor and private sector contributions to bolster the support they receive.
This touching story highlights the collective effort of the community to show compassion and care for their elderly citizens. It underscores the need for ongoing support, not just from individuals and businesses, but also from government entities to ensure facilities like Father Law Home can provide the quality of care that all elderly residents deserve.
By coming together, the community demonstrates a hopeful spirit for sustainable change, ensuring that their elderly population is not only cared for but also valued.
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