WITH the influx of coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, a local organisation committed to raise funds to assist AIDS orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers.

It further appealed to the public to not overlook HIV and orphans. KidZAid was started by Helen Lee, a Kloof resident, in 2004 in response to the AIDS epidemic, to assist many orphans in child-headed homes.

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“Education begins at home and then at crèche, so the focus is on supporting crèches,” said KidZAid committee member, Mary-Ann Pringle-Steiner.

The organisations members have a strong belief that every child whose life has been touched by AIDS deserves to be brought up with a sense of self-worth.

“This can only be achieved with proper feeding, shelter, education, and nurture. KidZAid is committed to channeling resources through reputable initiatives to assist as many of these children as possible to become worthwhile members of society,” said Pringle-Steiner.

Over the years, several crèches were established in the Upper Highway area. Due to a lack of funding, many of these establishments battled to feed the children in their care or create a caring and stimulating environment.

“An answer to this problem was the creation of ‘Drop-in-Centres’. Older children can leave their younger siblings at a Drop-in-Centre en route to school each day, enabling them to attend school, while the little ones are given at least one nourishing meal. A meal is provided for the older children when they return from school. This is often the only meal the children enjoy.

“This situation persists and KidZAid now supports four establishments with a donation of R16 500 per month, providing them with funding for groceries,” she said.

One of the centres they support is Community Outreach Centre (COC), Mariannhill, which was started by the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. The group assists disadvantaged communities with palliative care, nutrition and nursing in a large region scattered over the hills. KidZAid supports a COC ‘Drop-in Centre’ in Luganda, Mariannhill.

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Embizeni Crèche in Ntshongweni is another establishment that receives support from the organisation. It is run by Emelda Kunene, who has 66 children in her care. KidZAid’s funding is used to provide nutritious meals for the children.

Candyfloss Pre-school, which was started by the Mariannridge Methodist Church, also benefited from this good cause. The crèche is on the church premises where children are safe during the day and are well fed.

The fourth beneficiary is the 1000 Hills Community Helpers in Inchanga.

The organisation, run by Dawn Leppan, cares for more than 300 children each day. It has grown tremendously over the years and serves a large, poverty-stricken area. Pringle-Steiner said KidZAid receives some funding from two charitable trusts each year.

In addition to this, the organisation constantly hosts fundraising initiatives, which has become challenging in the current economic climate due to the Covid19 restrictions and the recent unrest in July.

She added that the organisation was in need of regular donations and building items to upgrade the premises of its beneficiaries. To support the work of KidZAid, contact Pringle-Steiner on 083 289 4520 or email steinermap@gmail.com.

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