The Down Syndrome Association of Pretoria is still in shock after its Lyttelton offices were burgled and ransacked on Sunday 7 December.
Ancella Ramjas, executive officer of the non-profit organization said the total loss was estimated at R100 000
Spokesperson Zelna Barends of the Down Syndrome Association said almost none of the stolen items had been replaced. “We are still dealing with the insurance people, but if they pay out, it won’t be enough to replace everything.”
Barends said the vehicle used to take some of the people they served to therapy was also stolen, and was yet to be replaced. “At the moment, we are really struggling to cope.”
“At the moment, we are using a very old computer that only has some of the data we need, and a very slow internet connection, because all of the telephone wires were also stolen,” said Barends.
Monitor Net was securing the offices. “Monitor Net has been kind enough to offer to patrol the offices at night, to prevent any other instances.”
The association supports children with down syndrome and their parents by providing therapy parents cannot usually afford. They also visit hospitals to support and educate parents with newborn down syndrome babies and provide training for teachers who work with these children.
Anyone wishing to help the association could call Zelna Barends at 073-399-9956. “At this stage we are desperate, and will appreciate any help we can get,” said Barends.
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