THE Luthando Frail Care Centre in New Orleans is still basking in the warmth radiated by a visit from senior South African Police members.
Last week brigadiers and colonels attending the Executive Development Learning Programme (EDLP) at the SAPS Academy in Paarl and Academy staff reached out to the patients at Luthando.
Luthando accommodates 12 frail patients, serving as a step-down facility for patients discharged from hospital who need further support before returning home. It receives a small government grant – for the rest it depends on sponsors and donations.
As part of community involvement, which is a component of the EDLP course, the high-ranking men and women in blue chose Luthando as their project.
They descended on the centre and its patients armed with linen donated by the Academy, garden equipment, cleaning material, washing powder and irons, facial creams and body lotions and megadoses of caring.
Out of their own pockets, the SAPS members gave the patients gift packages of fruit and toiletries.
The patients were overcome, surprised by the compassion offered and delighted by the manicures, pedicures and spontaneous joyful singing.
The crime-busters showed how adept they are at gardening, polishing banisters and cheering up those not feeling so well, proving that the SAPS does care for the community in all instances and places.
