A little cheer in their lives
By Hiranthi Fernando
The annual Christmas party was a day on which this group of elderly people
could forget their cares, relax and have some fun. Gathered at the Parish
Hall of St. Theresa's Church, Thimbirigasyaya, sharp at 4 o'clock, they
were eager to begin their fun and games. The hall was gaily decked with
balloons and streamers and even a Christmas tree with gifts around it.
The afternoon began with the payment of the monthly pensions for the
elders from the Society of St.Vincent de Paul (SVP) of St. Theresa's Church.
Although Rs. 250 is not much today, they await this money eagerly since
it is the only regular income they have apart from the allowance of Rs.
400, which some of them get from the government. Some of them are also
fortunate in being provided with
their lunch four days a week through 'Meals on wheels', another service
group in the parish.
Ninety-one-year-old Mariasoosai, is the oldest among the pensioners.
"I have lived here since 1928," he said. "There was no church here then.
I have done social service in the parish when I was fit." Mariasoosai worked
in the Royal Navy during the Second World War but does not receive any
pension. Now a widower and in failing health, he lives with his married
son and daughter and their families. "I am able to manage my expenses with
the pension I get from the SVP and an additional Rs. 250 I receive from
the church. I also get Rs. 100 every month from a shop keeper nearby. It
is quite enough for me," said the old man, contented with his lot.
Sellammah, 70, has a hard life living with a son and daughter who have
no regular employment. Her face and neck are badly scarred from burns when
she set herself on fire due to a domestic problem some years ago. "My house
was leaking and dilapidated. The SVP repaired it spending Rs. 20,000. Now
I have some shelter from the sun and rain," she said.
Pius Gomez, 66, cannot work due to his bad eyesight. His daughter has
been placed in a Girls Home at Kochchikade since he and his wife are not
able to look after her. "We have to provide her clothes and other necessities,"
Pius said. He spends all he gets, which is a Rs. 400 allowance from the
government and the Rs. 250 pension from SVP, on his daughter's needs.
Most of these pensioners are burdened by poverty and ill-health. Their
houses are in a bad state. Some also have to put up with harassment from
children who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Jane Nona, a little old lady of 75 years has no one of her own and is
waiting for admission to an elders home with the assistance of SVP. "All
I have for income is the Rs. 250 pension I get from them," she said.
To all of these poor pensioners, the Christmas treat offered a brief
respite from their troubles. It was touching to see so many put away a
portion of their food to take home for their dinner or for a grandchild
back home.
Games were followed by a baila dancing competition which the more energetic
ones joined in with gusto. Finally there were gifts from Santa for them
all.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is committed to caring for the poor
and needy in the Thimbirigasyaya parish. President of the SVP, Vilma Chapman
said forty-three old people receive the monthly pension of Rs. 250. Repairs
are carried out to their houses when necessary and the SVP also provides
financial assistance for books and tuition fees for students, assistance
in self-employment for the youth, providing much needed nourishment for
the sick and funeral expenses. A fortnightly free medical clinic is conducted
and drugs and vitamins are provided.
The SVP finds the money for these good deeds through fund-raising activities
such as jumble sales and breakfast sales. While expressing her gratitude
to their kind benefactors, Ms. Chapman hopes they would be able to collect
more funds during the coming year to enable them to increase the monthly
pensions and provide much needed comfort to the poor and needy not only
at Christmas but all year round. |