New premises for I Care

I CARE, the charity transforming the lives of street children, has a new premises in Windermere.

Along with staff from Safer Cities and Child Welfare Durban, I Care created awareness by taking to the streets on Thursday with banners to promote their call for the public not to give street children money.

Gail Elson from I Care said giving street children money enables and prolongs their stay on the streets. What is more, it encourages substance abuse, which in turn can lead to crime.

”Sadly, many children come to the street during the school holidays with the preconceived idea that they will make themselves plenty pocket money.

“With many generous holiday makers in our city, some of these street children are getting in excess of R500 a day begging at traffic lights and intersections.”

“We would like to thank all who have supported us during the past, very challenging year. Your kindness and generosity shown to those less fortunate than ourselves is amazing,” she said.

Through the assistance of the public, I Care has noted that over the past year, 108 boys have visited its drop in centre (Hope Centre), which was situated in Greyville, 30 children have been reunified with their families, 15 rehabilitated children have been skilled, 29 rehabilitated children have been housed in the I Care family houses in Lower Illovo, 170 food parcels have been delivered to families on its aftercare programme and 35625 meals have been served at various programmes.

ALSO READ: Parenting skills the focus of I Care workshop

Gail said the team were excited to have moved into the Windermere area, with the new offices and Hope Centre now situated at 69 Churchill Road.

Balloons were tied up outside the house and trees were wrapped in red on Thursday to draw attention to the new premises, so the community would know the organisation was now in the area.

“I Care, who have been successfully transforming the lives of these children for the past 18 years, are strongly appealing to the public to support us and if they would like to make a donation, rather to make it to I Care assisting us in our work with these children,” concluded Elson.

Contact 081 331 5484 or info@icare.co.za.

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