A little cheer in their lives

By Hiranthi Fernando

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.