Mom grateful for baby’s beautiful send-off
Puleng Chabile takes a moment to express her gratitude to the foundation that raised funds for her son's burial.
Puleng Chabide from Fourways was in distress, crying and feeling lost not knowing where to turn after her 13-month-old son Owaratwa succumbed to chronic diarrhoea while receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Coming from a disadvantaged background and being vulnerable, Chabide did not have any means to bury her son. But the founder of Love Light Care Foundation, Michelle Chelliah-Singh, was her first call for help. She raised an alarm for the community to assist through donations.
“I stepped in and offered to do the entire funeral, not knowing where I would find the funds. Puleng called me on January 22, which was also my late mom’s birthday. I saw this as a sign that I have to do everything in my power, to give precious Owaratwa the dignified funeral and burial that he so deserved, in honour of my mom.
“I put out a plea to over 100 friends and family to try and make a minimum donation of R50 each, to help raise the costs for the funeral. I also used my various social media platforms to engage the community to try and assist – this included the Lonehill Ladies Club that I run.”
She managed to raise the funds for Owaratwa’s send-off in just four days.
“Our mission is to empower women and children, doing skills development and training for a better life for all.”
It took a village to bury Chabile’s son and she couldn’t be more grateful.
“I would like to thank Michelle for everything she did for me. I do not know what I could have done without her help. May God bless her because everything [for the funeral] was good. I love her so much; she has become a sister to me. May she take care of herself, I wish her a speedy recovery. May God bless all the people who helped us with money. We are so grateful.”
The family expresses their everlasting gratitude to Chelliah-Singh and the foundation for all that they have done.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, contact Michelle Chelliah Singh on WhatsApp: 072 373 5229 or email lovelightcarefoundation@gmail.com.
Related article: Dealing with diarrhoea in babies
