Annually Age- In Action has the Pretty Things for Little Things Competition. The competition is held to encourage all our senior citizens to add some sparkle to the lives of needy children during Christmas.

Senior citizens were invited to use their craft or stitch-craft talents and make something for a needy child. Anything practical, durable and safe to wear or play with, could be entered

The competition consists of four categories from which the older persons could choose from: soft toys, clothing, blankets and other (items made from wood, tin or wire).

This year the MEC for Social Development , Mr Alvin Botes will be delivering the keynote address at the prize giving as well as addressing issues on the abuse of older persons. The Department of Social Development deals with the plight of older persons by establishing frameworks for the empowerment and protection of older persons and the promotion and maintenance of their status , rights , well-being , safety and security.

Prizes are awarded to people older than 60 who enter their handiwork, but anyone who would like to bring some joy to a needy child are invited to join in. There will also be a merit prize for the most entries received from an individual in each province, as well as a merit prize for the most entries received from an individual in the country.

The prize giving will be held as forth

DATE : 09 November 2012
TIME : 10H00
VENUE : St Pauls Lutheran Church, Natasha Street, Homestead Kimberley

The main purpose of this project is to prove that older persons are still valuable and contributing members of society who do not simply sit back waiting for hand outs - they care enough to use whatever resources they have to use their talents to bring joy to the hearts of vulnerable children which is a rare commodity today !

The media is invited to attend the Prize Giving of the Pretty Things for Little Things Competition . Please confirm your attendance with Ms Lucretia Horne @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 053 8314041

Issued by Conrad Fortune
Manager: Communications
Department of Social Development
0798730679

Bring smiles to their faces

We call all our senior citizens to add some sparkle to the lives of needy children during Christmas this year. All senior citizens are invited to use their craft or stitch-craft talents and make something for a needy child. Anything practical, durable and safe to wear or play with, may be entered and great prizes can be won. There are four categories to choose from: soft toys, clothing, blankets and other (items made from wood, tin or wire).

Last year we have received ±18 140 unique handmade articles from across the country. All these items were distributed to needy children all around the country during December when they received an early Christmas present.

Prizes are awarded to people older than 60 who enter their handiwork, but anyone who would like to bring some joy to a needy child are invited to join in. There will also be a merit prize for the most entries received from an individual in each province, as well as a merit prize for the most entries received from an individual in the country.

Founded in 1956 as "The South African Council for the Aged", now known as "Age-in-Action", is the body representing more than 2.7 million older people. The Organisation also has over 800 NGO's as members who provide vital services to more than 150 000 older persons in need of care. In terms of its mission, namely to protect and promote the interests and well-being of all elderly persons, we strive to:

To initiate and promote programmes aimed at advancing the status, well being, safety and security of vulnerable and needy older persons.
To provide community based health care services for frail, bedridden, vulnerable and needy older persons.
To initiate prevention and educational programmes on HIV/AIDS for older persons.
To provide empowerment programmes for vulnerable and needy older persons visa viz., adult education.
To conduct relevant social research so as to provide and initiate effective interventions.
To compile relevant publications and disseminate information relating to older persons.
To initiate and implement inter-generational programmes. To lobby and advocate for the rights of older persons.

OF WHAT IMPORTANCE IS THE ORGANISATION TO ELDERLY SOUTH AFRICANS ?

It is the only organisation in South Africa which champions the cause of both elderly persons and service delivery.
It has a proven track record for development and transformation.
It carries the support of thousands of older persons.

PROBLEMS FACING OLDER SOUTH AFRICANS:

Abuse, including systemic abuse and corruption
Inadequate health care in communities
Lack of housing facilities
Poor health and nutritional status
Too few community based services
Social Security System
HIV/AIDS pandemic