Marguerite de Villiers certainly does not look her age. She proudly sports the medal she received for finishing the Horison Challenge Trail Run recently, and is set on taking part in the 5km event next year. In fact she walks at every possible occasion and is noticeably active and independent for a 62 year old.
Marguerite arrived at Horizon House in 1980 at the age of 22 and has embraced life to the fullest. She recalls being on the Horizon House athletics team In her 30’s where she took part in the 400m and 800m events, and even attained a silver medal once.
Over the years she has applied herself in a wide range of areas including gardening, laundry, kitchen and in handwork. Nowadays, as part of club Phoenix, she still enjoys keeping busy and can be found crocheting a blanket in her favourite pastel shades. Her musical talent thrives at talent shows and birthdays, where she has an opportunity to play the guitar and sing from the heart.
Her favourite memories revolves around the people she has had in her life: her family, carers, and her friends through the years. And of course her ringneck parrot Smiley, a loved companion at 11 years old.
But this year has been particularly challenging for her, as she has lost some of her dearest friends Leslie, Corrie and Huibrie. Over and above, her mom, who has always been very close to her, is now in frailcare, and Marguerite misses her dearly.
She is but one of a number of our residents who loves Horizon House where they can work, socialize and live an enriched life, and feel safe and loved in a place they can ultimately call their home.
As a non-profit organization we rely on the support and contributions from our community and need your support to continue creating a home for them. There are various ways that you can get involved:
- Open your heart and sponsor one of 20 underprivileged residents monthly
- Make a donation or a monthly contribution
- Make a bequest in your will
- Select Horizon House as a beneficiary on your MySchool card (before doing Christmas shopping!)
- Tell a friend or colleague about Horizon House
- Donate products or volunteer your time or services
You can help in whichever way you choose. Visit www.huishorison.org.za or contact us for more information.
Thank you for your interest in Marguerite and in all our residents and day workers. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas in good health.
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Yours sincerely,
Elza C Bresler
Executive Director
