Wylie House suffers transport woes
Wylie House Home for Girls appeals to the public to assist them in sourcing a reliable vehicle after their minibus was stolen nearly six months ago.
WYLIE House, a home for vulnerable girls in Musgrave, appeals to the greater Durban community to assist with sponsorship or donations towards a much-needed vehicle.
According to principal Nazli Finch, Wylie House accommodates 40 girls and currently looks after 39 girls between the ages of 3 and 18 who reside on the property. The home receives a government grant for each girl but this realistically only covers about half their monthly costs. As a result, the home relies on donations and fundraising.
“In February this year, our vehicle a Quantum minibus, was stolen and despite being paid out through insurance, we have tried for months to look for something suitable but cannot afford another 14-seater. It has been a terrible inconvenience and we have tried our best to transport the girls but only have one car and my personal car which I have to use,” Finch said.
The girls at the home come from backgrounds of sexual abuse, chronic neglect, mental challenges and some are wards of the state. They desperately need a vehicle to get to schools, hospital, various therapy and recreation activities.
“We have tried to make do for the last six months. Initially we appealed to organisations and regular donors but nothing has come of it. Since we are now filled to capacity, it is getting more difficult. There are 15 children under 12 -years-old so they are transported to schools in Cato Crest, Bonella, Msimbini and, Sydenham which is a vast distance covered in the morning and afternoons while the high school girls are able to walk in groups to Ridge Park which is nearby.”
Finch said their driver had to start at 6.30am with four different loads to schools and another four trips from schools in the afternoons, which has resulted in a very large petrol bill.
“We aren’t necessarily looking for a free or sponsored car, but something reasonable and safe that could transport between 9 and 14 children to school and back,” appealed Finch.
Anyone willing to assist the Home can contact Nazli Finch on 031 202 9410.
