Watch: Mariannridge crèche appeals for help to fix roof
"We are thankful no one was hurt" — Mariannridge NPO creche owner appeals for donations after storm damage leaves babies without a classroom.
ANGEL’S Desire Crèche is appealing to the community for assistance after strong winds on August 22 damaged the roof of the crèche.
The crèche’s principal and owner Lorraine Whyte said the damage has placed an additional financial burden on the NPO, which already operates with limited resources and relies on school fees from a small number of parents.
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The creche in Mariannridge, which caters for approximately 55 children, ranging from babies to learners in its Grade R class, was started 12 years ago after Whyte said she identified a need for childcare and early childhood development services in the community.
According to the principal, it was fortunate that the strong winds struck over a weekend, as the classroom that was damaged is used by the babies during the week.
“This is the babies’ classroom and we are just thankful that no one was hurt as we value our little ones,” she said.
With the roof damaged, the crèche has been forced to move the babies, along with their cots and beds, into the Grade RR class.
Whyte said the creche does not have the financial means to repair the roof, as the organisation is already struggling to provide other basic resources needed by the children.
“Whatever little money I collect goes towards running the creche. This is an NPO creche, and only a few parents are able to pay school fees,” she said.
“It’s an NPO creche. I do not get help from the government. I am still waiting and, for years, I have been knocking on various doors to get assistance of any sort that could help uplift my creche and our children,” she said.
Whyte appealed to individuals, businesses, community organisations and other potential donors to assist with the repair of the damaged roof.
She said any assistance, whether financial, materials or services, would make a huge difference and help ensure that the children can return to a safe and suitable learning environment.
To assist contact Lorraine Whyte on 074 753 5521 / 074 236 8315.
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