Resthaven needs funding

Since then, Resthaven has donated homes that were converted into residences for HIV/Aids orphaned and abandoned children and others into pensioners’ cottages.

Author Arul Moodley, a retired volunteer at Resthaven, has managed to provide services in the worst of times and there are still challenges to overcome as the country has been experiencing the pandemic.

“I believe as a country, Covid-19 has affected all of us. I know a lot of charity organisations had challenges and we are also part of that. We rely on funding for survival and we are appealing to our community and organisations to help us with funding,” he said.

He further explained that they not only take care of the residents of Resthaven but also feed, clothe and counsel hundreds of community members and therefore need the public to help.

“It must be noted that we do not measure the amount one donates but evaluate the important service it provides,” said Moodley.

Children in the care of Resthaven Ministries are provided all the support that they deserve such as education and transport, health care, educational camps and sporting activities.

“Pensioners also enjoy a family-like environment, including medical care, transport to and from healthcare centres, and physical exercises to ensure a good quality of life.”

They have a feeding scheme where they serve 400 people every week and request donations of food towards this project, especially perishable goods to provide healthy meals.

“This year became very difficult because of the coronavirus. Most of the organisations that assisted us were unable to provide what we needed; however, we are still doing the best we can but it is difficult.”

Another challenge they face is paying school fees for the children.

“We tried to negotiate but with some it’s impossible. We have to pay for daycare centres and we are trying by all means to get funding for the children to go to school,” he said.

Resthaven relies on grant funds to help pay for school fees.

“Financially, we are not coping. We are still searching for sponsorship to help us with funding for our children. Overall, we are thankful that we did not lose lives due to the virus,” he said.

Moodley also wrote a book called The Flight Of A Stone Bird that will be launched possibly early next year. It is already on Amazon.

“I am very excited about this book and I have faith that people will love it. The book is about Indian immigration to South Africa and other parts of the world. Already, there have been a few purchases and I am grateful,” he said.