Why this local organisation is so close to Darren Maule's heart...
ECR Breakfast host shares the love at TAFTA.
For many years, Darren Maule has been a close friend of TAFTA (The Association for the Aged) and this week the Breakfast host spent time with the elders at Cambridge Mansions on the Berea for a very special occasion.
"It isn’t every day that you get the chance to attend a 100th birthday and celebrate a century of life. There was absolutely no way I was going to miss this," says Darren.
LOOK: TAFTA's pods make for safer care home visits
Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Lombard, a Berea resident, turned 100 on Tuesday. She was the picture of serene elegance, despite it being one of the hottest days of the summer so far.
Her very special party had all the trimmings with beautiful cakes, champagne, and a wonderful video loop showing important moments of her life.
"The loop was a fascinating visual journey of how fashion, hair, and photography styles have changed in her 100 years. Betty was seated in the main lounge of the TAFTA Cambridge Mansions lodge alongside a stunning portrait of her taken 80 years before. She remembers clearly the specific shade of yellow her crepe dress was in that photo and she smiled fondly as she spoke of how she has messed around with multiple hair styles over the years. She spoke of her life at work as an admin clerk, her husband and children, and tales of her own parents," Darren revealed.
Betty was clearly thrilled at the arrival of her surprise guest. Many residents had heard Darren on-air that morning wishing her a happy birthday, but they had no idea he would be attending the party, along with his wife Anna Banana.
The love story of how Darren and Anna met through a fundraiser for TAFTA is well known and the two of them have a long history of their independent work with CEO Femeda Shamam and the TAFTA team, before the organisation finally brought them together in 2019.
"TAFTA is so special to myself and Anna and it has been a fantastic afternoon being with Betty, her daughter- in-law, and the TAFTA family. We have laughed much today, heard wonderful stories, and really enjoyed each other’s company," Darren added.
2023 is an important year for TAFTA, with the organisation celebrating their 65th birthday. They can be certain Darren will be bringing his A game plus a little extra love as one of Durban’s best comedians and MCs when their turn comes to celebrate!
Read more: SANBS appeals for blood donations
MORE ON EAST COAST RADIO:
Main image attribution: ECR