Orphan Fund shows healthy growth

The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund supports upwards of 1 600 orphaned and vulnerable children each year, attendees at the fund’s annual general meeting heard last Wednesday.

Fund chairman Pieter Naudé noted that since the launch of the fund in 2003, it had raised well over R7-million.

The Orphan Fund’s purpose is to channel money raised to local NGOs that specialise in caring for orphans and vulnerable children.

“We live in a community where unsung heroes are all around us. There are so many people who without fanfare go about the business of helping others. All of you here today form part of that group, whether it is food sponsors, those preparing meals for the children, or getting food parcels to them. The Orphan Fund will not be able to function without all of you,” Naudé said.

During the past year the fund raised more than R750 000 through its fundraising efforts, an 8% increase compared to the previous year.

“Events are not only an important part of the fundraising effort but gives us the opportunity to engage with people in our communities and expose them to the Orphan Fund’s work, which often leads to greater collaboration,” Naudé said.

Despite a 23% drop in cash donations, the fund continues to be well-supported by a number of individuals, anonymous donors, businesses and other organisations.

Of the R456 748 donations received, R273 648 came from anonymous parties.

Gratitude was extended to donors, which included Collisheen Estate, Waterberry Café, Encounter Church, Dordet Family Trust, Marshall Security, Holland Farm, Cell C, Ballito Lions, Wire Belt Systems, Rotary Club of Zimbali, The Balwin Foundation and The Christmas Fair Fund.

Funds raised are distributed quarterly, mostly in the form of food hamper vouchers or food parcels which are handed to orphan feeding schemes and child and grandparent-headed households. Where possible, the money is also allocated for school bus fares, capped petrol costs and school uniforms.

The Orphan Fund also provides bursaries to help students who need support with living costs, transport and tuition fees. Four students were helped during the past year.

“I thank all our sponsors for their generosity and support, and in particular our committee members who give freely of their time in helping us run the Orphan Fund, as well as the staff of The North Coast Courier for their assistance,” Naudé concluded.

With fundraising targets having been exceeded, plans are being made to increase the Orphan Fund’s footprint in the coming year.

A new committee was elected: Pieter Naude (chairman), Rose Stephenson (founder/committee member), Jay Naidoo (treasurer), Charmaine Premlal (fundraising co-ordinator), Jolene Mosiah (secretary) and committee members Ann McDonnell, Rev Ben Ndaba, Bruce Stephenson, Colin Peattie and Elizabeth Khumalo.

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