Give the gift of hope this holiday season
FOURWAYS - The festive season has arrived, and while the giving and receiving of presents will be the norm in households across Johannesburg, consider giving the gift of hope to some of the less fortunate members of our community.
There are many children who will not be able to enjoy a traditional Christmas without the input of community members. Some of these children reside in Yenzani Children’s Home in Midrand. The home was founded in 2002 to care for children who were removed from their homes due to court orders, usually because of abuse or neglect in the home.
On their Christmas wishlist Yenzani asks for the donation of food, cleaning products, hygiene products and stationery for their children. However they also need volunteers to assist with homework, transport and bookkeeping for the home.
Tumelo Children’s Centre in Ivory Park, Midrand caters for children with severe mental disabilities. The centre currently accommodates 32 children under the age of 16. The assistance Tumelo desperately needs on a consistent basis are food supplies, nappies and medicine for the children.
Lesedi Creche, based in the Malatjie township near Lanseria airport has a sponsorship programme for their pupils which allows sponsors to donate R160 per month for a year to a specific child in their care. This money covers the child’s care, as well as two meals a day. Lesedi is looking for new sponsors for 2014.
While children are the future there are also a number of adults in our community who need help too. Cluny Farm is a working farm for adults with mental disabilities in Kyalami. They are always happy to receive donations of food and toiletries for their residents. However Cluny Farm also has a bakery in which the residents make their famous Cluny Farm cookies which they sell to raise money for the farm. In order to make these cookies they need donations of flour, margarine, sugar, condensed milk and Rice Crispies.
Cresset House in Midrand is also a work and residential facility for adults with mental disabilities. They too have a sponsorship programme where you can commit to sponsor the living costs of a villager who is unable to afford accommodation for a year. The home is also always on the lookout for volunteers who can offer their time speaking to the villagers about interesting things, or facilitating stimulating activities.
For those who worry about our furry friends during the holiday season, donating R250 to Pet Welfare SA will allow the organisation to feed, entertain and groom many homeless cats and dogs from welfare organisations like Woodrock Dogs, Ark Animal Centre and 4Paws. Alternatively you can contact the welfare organisations themselves and consider adopting a pet for the new year.
Details: Lesedi Creche – Bronwen Barnes 072 568 1962; Cluny Farm – Juanita Cronje 011 702 1690. www.yenzani.org; www.tumelohome.co.za; www.petwelfaresa.co.za; www.cresset.org.za
