When you've stood on your own two feet all your life, it's not easy to ask for help

But when Mrs R fell ill and the medical bills started piling up, this elderly couple just couldn't make ends meet on their pension.

Their rent went into arrears ... and each month the amount owing on the electricity bill grew. Grocery shopping was a nightmare – they couldn't afford fruit, vegetables, meat or even eggs.

By the time they turned to Tafta for help, both these elders had lost weight, and they were terrified of losing their home or having their lights and water cut off.

But, thanks to the kindness of people like you, we were able to help.

We negotiated a payment plan with the municipality to clear the electricity account, and then arranged for Mr & Mrs R to receive regular Meals on Wheels from Tafta. Like all the frail and poverty stricken elders who depend on this service, they are so grateful.

But with food prices rising all the time, we are finding it more and more difficult to keep the service going without support from people like you.

It costs R175 a week to feed just one elderly person. And there are over a hundred and thirty who depend on us every day. That’s over 1 200 meals every month! But how can we turn our backs on destitute elderly people like Mr & Mrs R? These meals literally keep them alive.

Please consider making a contribution right now and donate R175 to sponsor meals for a week. R700 will provide a whole month’s worth of meals.

A regular monthly donation of just R70 pays for a couple like Mr and Mrs R to enjoy one meal from you every month. R140 per month will pay for two meals and R420 per month will pay for six meals.

If you can imagine what it must be like to get old and frail, and watch fearfully as your precious savings dwindle away, please will you do what you would want someone to do for you ... provide a decent meal today?