A vital hoist ensures access to care at Avalon Home

Avalon Home for the Disabled in Kensington has been a haven since 1944 — a place where 40 residents living with physical disabilities are cared for with dignity and compassion every day. From warm meals and basic nursing, to counselling, occupational therapy and physiotherapy (when available), Avalon makes sure no one is left behind. But for many residents, the most critical lifeline sits in the parking lot: the vehicle hoist that safely lifts wheelchairs so they can get to hospitals, specialists and therapy sessions. When that hoist began failing beyond repair, access to essential care — and the small joys of an occasional outing — was suddenly at risk.

When we heard about Avalon’s urgent need, Hot Cares reached out to The Dis-Chem Foundation — and they immediately answered the call. The Foundation has committed to cover the full cost of a brand-new vehicle hoist (up to R104 000), ensuring residents can continue travelling safely, with independence and peace of mind. As Jacqueline Kahlberg from The Dis-Chem Foundation shared, the story of this special home — and how the hoist is a true lifeline — moved them to act. For Reverend Shona and the Hot Cares team, this support is about more than equipment; it’s about restoring dignity and keeping crucial doors to healthcare open.

Avalon runs on an exceptionally tight budget — a small government subsidy, modest resident contributions and creative fundraising via a tiny charity shop, biscuit sales, succulents and even recycling ink cartridges. That community spirit inspired us, and we’re grateful to everyone who makes compassion practical.