FOLLOW UP: Extra land in CBD to benefit children at Kids Haven
In a previous edition of the City Times, dated August 9, in an article titled CBD neglect concerns businesses, it was reported that the vacant parking lot was being filled with rubbish and being used for defecation and other social ills.
Kids Haven is in the very last stages of signing a 20-year lease with the Ekurhuleni metro to take occupation of a vacant parking lot on Cranbourne Avenue, this according to fund-raising coordinator at the home Susan Daly.
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Daly told the City Times the lot would be cleaned thoroughly before they occupied the space.
“We have one outstanding document regarding storm water and then we will be signing the actual lease.
“Kids Haven has been discussing this particular property for many years now, and finally we are at this point.
“We will be securing the property and using half of it as a playground for the children who live at Kids Haven.”
The rest of the property will be used to for the Kids Haven therapy centre and Kids Justice programmes which provide services to the children and to community members referred through the Kids Haven prevention and early intervention “precare” team.
The City Times met on site with director of Kids Haven Moira Simpson, who shared her vision for the property.
“We want to be able to see our children become active in a safe environment where they will be able to play soccer or ride their bicycles at their leisure,” said Simpson.
“We want to be able to provide them with facilities for basketball and skateboarding and even possibly have a cycle track around the inside area.
“Currently, the school taxi association uses the space, but we have a good understanding with them and when we are granted the lease we will be putting a wall up.”
Simpson added that donations towards the project would be greatly appreciated as Daly pointed out that the project will be donor funded.
“We anticipate that we will sign the formal lease by the end of August 2019 or during September 2019 and thereafter begin with the security and the clean-up,” said Daly.
“Interested parties are welcome to contact me for more information on 011 706 7959 (donation centre) or 083 442 7717 or via email at sued@kidshaven.co.za”
At present, Kids Haven is home to 165 children.
