Hugh Reid, president of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew, lends a helping hand to 86-year-old senior citizen Violet Hall. - Contributed
"I WAS 'fraid fe the water when I fell sick. But it so nice when I get in there," said 91-year-old Maxine Fearon, a resident of the Harrison Home for the Aged in St. Andrew.
Mrs. Fearon, one of 11 elderly residents from Harrison (and the Moravian Home on Braemar Avenue) who was feted at the Rockfort Mineral Spa, in east Kingston on Saturday, said she recovered from her bout of "bad feelings" on coming out of the water.
The residents and their nurses were treated by the all-male Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew with a morning at the spa, followed by a breakfast of ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit, liver, dumpling and callallo.
"This is not a one time effort," said club president Hugh Reid.
"We plan to do so on a quarterly basis. The benefits of spa treatment are documented, so we know we are adding to the well being of the senior citizens." he said.
"Our community services group plans these activities and the men take their service seriously. They are willing to spend the Saturday morning away from family, away from their work, away from their golf or tennis game, to share with these special ladies who could be mothers to us."
Residents of the homes come from across the island. Many are former teachers, nurses, housekeepers, shopkeepers, housewives and farmers who, in their twilight years, are in need of constant care not available at home.
Twenty of the club members took part in Saturday's excursion and then helped to feed the elderly, some of whom are blind, and assisted them to move from place to place as they requested.
A day at the spa may have been a special outing but club members have been entertaining the seniors with Christmas, Easter and Valentine treats.
Contributions for the treats come from club members and they've never come up short, said Mr. Reid.
The Spiritual Aims committee of the club ensures the spiritual needs of the seniors are met. Members of the committee regularly worship with them.
"Few of the men in the club will give up the satisfaction of doing some of the most menial or simple tasks," Reid said. And that is why the theme for the year is, "Enjoy the spirit of service" has so many of the members into action.
