MUST READ: Morester Children’s Home seeks urgent assistance in its hour of need

In April, four of Morester’s staff had to be retrenched and some of its children were taken to the Ladysmith Morester Children’s Home.

August 22, 2017

Quinton Boucher 1 minute read

Morester Children's Home faces an uncertain future, as it has to vacate its premises by November.

At the end of November after years of occupation, Morester Children’s Home will need to vacate their present premises.

Due to the fact that Newcastle High School would need the premises, the home is in danger.

With the overwhelming financial difficulties already faced by the home, Christian Social Service social worker manager, Grè Erasmus appealed to the community for assistance.

“We have received a lot of response from people since we were told that we would need to move,” said Mrs Erasmus.

However, while there were offers of alternative property.of the places would not be feasible as alternative accommodation.

“There is a Bed and Breakfast in town, whose owner contacted me to say he was willing to sell the property to us. While it was in the ideal location and would have been perfect for us, it is being sold for R2-million.”

In April, four of Morester’s staff had to be retrenched and some of its children were taken to the Ladysmith Morester Children’s Home.

Due to budget constraints, the high cost of property was making the move very difficult.

Mrs Erasmus explained that due to the children’s backgrounds, they could not be sent to a child and youth care facility, as it would put them at personal and physical risk.

“We really appreciate all the help people are offering. Since the news broke, we have had service organisations such as Rotary, Lions and many more coming to see how they could help us.”

While the prospect of having to move caused staff to have sleepless nights, Mrs Erasmus said there was hope and they were positive that assistance would be forthcoming.

On Thursday, August 24, the home will hold a public meeting and Newcastle residents are invited to attend.

“As we are now an individual children’s home, we are looking at electing a committee and we would like people who are interested in assisting the home to join us.”