For many years Wendy Morgan was the manager of Rest-a-While Service Centre for the Aged, but when she was elected as the ward councillor of Ward 36 she had to leave the centre.<\/p>\n
However, she left the centre in good hands as Trudy Carreira stepped in to take the reins.<\/p>
Trudy, who lives a stone\u2019s throw from the centre in Gerdview, first joined the Rest-a-While team in 2005.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked at the centre for eight years before taking a year off to complete my studies,\u201d she explained.<\/p>
\u201cBut I missed it so much, and when I came back I realised something had been missing in my life not being at the centre.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trudy, who used to be active in the CPF, has dedicated all her time to the centre and couldn\u2019t be happier.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing here I give back to the community, especially the older members of the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love it, I have always loved working with elderly people, it\u2019s my passion,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She describes her work at the centre as fulfilling and loves that she is able to make a difference. \u201cI have seen a lot of old people suffering and to change that is fulfilling in a way I cannot fully explain,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Since Trudy took over from Wendy she has taken on Carol-Ann Joubert, who is a qualified occupational therapy assistant, to help her with the admin at the centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure with her background in occupational therapy she will be able to help us with new ways to get the members active,\u201d said Trudy.<\/p>\n
When asked which of the activities offered at the centre are her favourite, Trudy had a hard time choosing. \u201cI would have to say the line dancing because it is so much fun and gets everyone moving, and the skills development days,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In addition to her everyday duties Trudy is also running several projects for the centre. These include;<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, however, we are looking a little closer to home and want to knit a blanket for each of our members to enjoy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
To make this a reality the centre is asking the community to donate wool.<\/p>\n
To assist the centre in this project the community is asked to donate non-perishable food items which will help make up the hampers.<\/p>\n
Trudy has more plans for the centre and hopes to grow its membership.<\/p>\n
For more information on the centre and services, call Trudy on 011 828-3059.<\/p>\n
Other articles you may be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n Successful first aid course for Rest-a-While<\/a><\/p>\n LamDel calls on residents to help rejuvenate the suburbs<\/a><\/p>\n