Children at child welfare get new uniforms

SMILES were the order of the day on Saturday for the children at the Tembisa Child Welfare, when Tumelo “Melo” Tshetlo and her friends and family handed over school uniforms and other goodies to the organisation.

Tshetlo is an EXPRESS journalist and founder of Mentoring Empowering and Loving Others (Melo), an organisation set on spreading a message of hope through acts of love and kindness.

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“As part of a school uniform drive initiative I started last year, I approached the community to sponsor a child and buy them a uniform. The response was amazing and I feel truly blessed and thankful,” said Tshetlo.

Fifty-one children at the welfare are at a school-going age.

“Some people sent money, and others sponsored all the necessary school uniform. A special thank you to the Edenvale Rotary Club who brought stationery and party packs, as well as to Refiloe Moganedi who donated a jumping castle on the day and more party and stationery packs and Jabulile Zungu for the uniform, clothes and toys she brought. All the other monetary donations are also appreciated.”

Caxton East branch manager Christopher Mcinga also sponsored two children with full uniforms.

Director of the welfare, Wilhemina Bodibe said they were grateful for the donations which made a great difference.

“The back to school season can be a nightmare but with the right kind of friends, thank God, it’s minus some of the stress for our kids. Many thanks to Tumelo and her wonderful family and friends as well as the Edenvale Rotary Club for this wonderful donation to our kids. You have made an investment in the right place. We truly love and appreciate you,” said Bodibe.

Tshetlo pointed out that the next initiative would be school shoes for 2017.

If you would like to know more about Melo or would like to contribute to the organisation and future projects, you may email: info@melomovement.co.za