Abbeyfield South Africa (ASA) was registered as an non-profit organisation in 1985 and the Management Committee embarked on a publicity and fundraising campaign which led to the opening of the first SA Abbeyfield home (in Cape Town) in February 1987.
By 1991 there were 8 Local Societies affiliated to ASA and a Development Officer was employed to support the existing Affiliates and to establish new ones.
Abbeyfield's success lies in its volunteers - the members of the local Abbeyfield Societies - who establish and care for the Abbeyfield homes and their residents. Each Abbeyfield house is owned by the local Abbeyfield Society and made up entirely of volunteers living in its vicinity.
To date we have 18 Abbeyfield Societies and 20 wonderful family-style homes that house between 6-10 residents each. At present we are providing care and accommodation for 146 elderly people.
