For over 50 years, the United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa (UCPASA) has cared for the needs of Cerebral Palsy patients in Gauteng, and beyond. The organisation’s reputation as a caring, efficient and professional institution is irrefutable.
The UCPASA has clearly defined objectives, and the residents in their care are their foremost and only concern. Unfortunately, the organisation was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as no one who wasn’t employed by the Home could enter the premises during Lockdown.
Funders and volunteers were unable to visit the home, putting enormous pressure on the small team of employees to care for residents. To make matters worse, many long-time supporters had to stop their donations – individuals and companies – as they came under their own economic pressure resulting from the pandemic.
“We were able to visit the UCPASA premises before Level 5 lockdown was implemented, and it was heart-breaking to see the organisation working so hard to provide the degree of care their wards require despite their economic challenges,” says Katherine Cox, Research, Development & Innovation Manager at TUHF.
“It was clear that, if the UCPASA could not take care of those children, their situation would be dire indeed. It was also plainly evident that the different ‘facets’ of the charitable association – all of which rely on charitable donations for funding – are many and varied, and we simply had to offer our support,” Katherine adds.
TUHF donated R 100 000 to the UCPASA. “The refurbishment of the children’s sensory room and residential block closely aligned with TUHF’s CSI Policy,” Cox says. “The UCPASA also occupies and maintains a significant land parcel towards the south of Turffontein, which is an area TUHF currently invests in, and which has potential for increased affordable residential development and investment. The land is used for the children and is maintained to a high standard.”