Lockdown creates challenges for Pinetown baby home

Baby Hope House, situated in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal is just one of many baby homes that have been forced to bear the consequences of these unprecedented times and are now calling on the community to lend a helping hand, Highway Mail reports.

The haven for little ones was co-founded by Sonia Swinton and the late Lynne Pieterse in 2007.

It is a home for vulnerable abandoned babies (from newborns to toddlers) who otherwise would have to go to large government-owned institutions. Swinton said they care, love and nurture the little ones until they can be placed with adoptive families.

“These babies are found in some of the most horrible circumstances and we give them a loving, warm and safe environment. Giving them the best start in life in a family home,” she said.

Parting from the children is always a bitter moment at the home. “I cry all the time, but a part of me rejoices as I know that they are going to a home where they will be taken good care of,” said Swinton.

As a non-profit organisation, supported entirely by donations by their supporters, they have often faced issues with raising money to fund the bare necessities.

“Covid-19 has made this challenge significantly more difficult to overcome so we’re appealing to people to support our efforts in caring for these helpless little ones,” she added.

The lockdown and all the rules and regulations surrounding Covid 19 saw the baby home locked down with the foster mom, nine babies and two of their amazing staff, who selflessly gave up their time with their own families to take care of the babies.

“They continue to be here and only travel once a week to minimise the possibility of contracting the virus, adhering to strict protocols at all times. I am so grateful to these amazing ladies who have shown us what true sacrifice is.”

She added that she would like to thank everyone who has assisted them in these trying times, donating food, formula, nappies and all the essentials to keep our babies safe, fed and comfortable.

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