When Rand Aid launched its Hip Op Granny earlier this year its intention was to ensure that she became the non-profit organisation’s champion, so that it can continue to raise the much-needed income it needs to take care of the elderly in need.

This vision is fast becoming a reality with the adoption of Hip Op Granny by South Africa’s first ever Retirement Expo, which will be held at the Coca-Cola Dome from 28 to 30 October 2011.

“What’s so fantastic about being ‘adopted’ by the Retirement Expo is that Rand Aid will receive R1 for every ticket purchased by the public to enter the exhibition. The event organiser, Thebe, is hoping to attract over 10000 visitors which will ensure a very nice donation to Rand Aid,” says the thrilled granny.

Hip Op Granny or Aggie Hatrick as she is known, together with her husband Gerry, and all of the friends she has made at Rand Aid humorously give advice and highlight the plight of the aged in need residing at Rand Aid and in South Africa in general. She was conceptualised and brought to life by Rand Aid to ensure that it has its own voice when it comes to spreading the love that it provides to its elderly charges.

Rand Aid aims to create even greater awareness around Aggie at the Retirement Expo. The organisation will also be promoting its various retirement accommodation and frail care options for the well established retiree, and its outreach initiatives which are geared to assist the elderly in need and men suffering from substance abuse.

By visiting the stand you can also stand in line to win with Rand Aid and Investec. Rand Aid has a three-night stay for two at the 5 Star Simbambili Game Lodge, courtesy of Investec and valued at R36000, up for grabs at only R20 per raffle ticket. The draw will take place on 15 December 2011.

As if this is not enough, you too can adopt a gran or gramps for Christmas. Does your gran or gramps fall into the special category of people who are always there for you no matter what? Do you see them often and look forward to lovely Christmas dinners with lots of presents? If so, you and they are very fortunate indeed.

Rand Aid cares for many grannies and granddads that are unable to care for themselves. In many cases they have very limited financial means, whilst in others they have absolutely nothing and no family or friends with which to spend Christmas and other special holidays.

“Rand Aid is calling on people who can, to support a gran or gramps in need. Any donations, from cash to toiletries, are welcome and will go a long way towards brightening the life of our elderly charges,” adds Aggie.

Your donation will also enable Rand Aid to provide a very special Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings and possibly a small gift, for all of the grannies and granddads in its care.

For more information about Rand Aid, contact Carol Steyn at 011 882 2510 or email csteyn@randaid.co.za. Don’t forget to follow Rand Aid’s Hip Op Granny on Twitter: @hipop_granny and Facebook: Aggie Hatrick.