HOLAH says thanks
Leanne Lorrance and Kim Brown from HOLAH invited volunteers to a gratitude day at the baby home on Saturday.
THE House of Love and Hope (HOLAH) held a gratitude day on Saturday, to thank its volunteers for all they do for the baby house.
The volunteers enjoyed a morning spending time with the babies at the home, and were treated to eats and speeches.
Sindi Gumede, caregiver team leader, said she joined HOLAH when it opened in August 2012.
“We have face challenges, but we overcome them every time. We are truly mothers to these children and its been a blessing. I have realised the importance of giving love and feel we have played a role. Many streetchildren suffer, but with HOLAH, we can change a negative past to a bright, positive future,” she said.
Lauren Jacklin, HOLAH ambassador and member of the board, said she had been involved with HOLAH for three years and it had been such a journey.
“This is an exceptional baby house with an incredible team. We are so blessed to have everyone on board and I’m so grateful to the volunteers. The carers are amazing, and we would be nothing without them!” she said.
She encouraged people to get involved with supporting HOLAH on a monthly basis.
Volunteer, Claire Brook-Hart, said she chose to volunteer her time at HOLAH as the home is run by two women, who are so young, and have decided to undertake this massive project.
“Kim and Leanne just take this in their stride and have such a great attitude and approach. This is a place of refuge, not an organisation, it is hands on, and everyone is so involved in everything. You are doing an amazing job,” she said.
Ria Sholz from Litres for Education, spoke about the programme, where motorists could fill up at BP Moore Road, as well as other BPs which have joined the initiative, and join the Litres for Education trust.
“This is based on the My School card concept, where motorists can choose HOLAH, or another charity, to donate to when they put petrol in their cars. Six other stations have signed up and three more are keen to start,” she said.
Leanne Lorrance, one of the founders of HOLAH, spoke about how the home started.
“We started with one baby, Soldier, and the idea was to get one baby at a time, and care for the child until it is adopted, however we kept getting calls. We have now had 21 babies all together, and we just knew we would have to get bigger. We started taking on babies from birth to one year, but we have realised there is such a gap for toddlers between two and five, and my and Kim’s goal is to open a second house for this age group at the end of the year. Thanks to everyone, we couldn’t have done it without you!” she said.
Kim Brown thanked the volunteers and carers for their support with the babies, which she said was also emotional support, and she encouraged new volunteers to join HOLAH.
