A Centre in Elsies River has received a donation of much-needed washing appliances. This heartfelt boost to its daily operations means the Tehillah Holistic Centre’s limited resources can now be more fully directed toward its core mission, caring for vulnerable children and families.

An Elsies River Centre has received a donation of much-needed washing appliances

In a moving handover ceremony, staff and volunteers received several high-capacity washing machines and tumble dryers.

“We used to spend hours hand-washing clothing and linen, or pay to outsource laundry,” said a staff member.

This new infrastructure will drastically reduce the time, cost and manual labour once required for daily laundry. This will free up both hands and hearts to focus on what truly matters – feeding and nurturing the community.

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Tehillah Community Centre Embraces Donation That Frees Up Vital Resources for Feeding Programmes

The Centre serves as a critical lifeline in the area, offering early childhood development programmes and healthcare services. It also offers a rehab centre and a feeding scheme that supports hundreds of people each day.

“Now, we can put that time and money back into the kitchen — feeding more children, with healthier meals,” said a staff member.

Until now, large volumes of laundry have placed additional strain on staff, often diverting funds that could have gone to fresh produce or meals.

Feeding and nurturing the community

The installation of the appliances was completed on-site, allowing for immediate use. The difference was visible from the very first load. It’s a quiet revolution – one spin cycle at a time – that’s allowing the Centre to stretch its impact even further.

For a community centre that gives so much, this gift of clean, efficient laundry support is more than a convenience. It’s a lifeline that strengthens its ability to care, nourish, and uplift.

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“The Tehillah Holistic Centre is doing incredible work in Elsies River, and we are truly grateful to the Humanitarian Empowerment Fund for introducing us to them last year,” said Jacqueline Kahlberg, spokesperson for The Dis-Chem Foundation.

More about the Sponsors

To mark the special occasion, Alex Chen and Jacqueline Kahlberg personally loaded and started the Centre’s very first cycle in one of the donated top-loader washing machines. The moment, while simple, was deeply symbolic; a powerful gesture of partnership and care in action. Surrounded by staff, volunteers, and children from the Centre, the two representatives shared in a quiet but moving reminder of how basic dignity starts with clean clothes and how small acts can make a lasting impact.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with The Dis-Chem Foundation in bringing practical, life-improving technology to organisations like Tehillah,” said Alex Chen, Brand Marketing Manager of Hisense SA.

The joint initiative reinforces Hisense SA and The Dis-Chem Foundation’s shared commitment to uplifting community-based healthcare, education and nutrition through smart, energy-efficient, and high-impact solutions.

Chen added, “Over the next few weeks, we’ll be donating even more washing machines and tumble dryers to other community-driven organisations and non-profit beneficiaries of The Dis-Chem Foundation across the country – helping more centres like this one deliver on their mission of care.”

Kahlberg added, “We are deeply passionate about nutrition, especially in early childhood development. The Centre’s ECD and feeding schemes resonate powerfully with our purpose, and we look forward to continuing our support of their work, well into the future.”