R800 000 raised for needy Pretoria families
We believe in building relationships in the community to empower the community to help themselves
A charity event has raised more than R800 000 for needy children and families in Pretoria.
Under the theme Christmas in July, the event was held at Utopia Place in Lynnwood Road on Thursday, and about 400 people attended.
NGO, Eleos spokesperson Clariza Botha said the money would go towards uplifting more than 300 underprivileged families.
“We believe in building relationships in the community to empower themselves,” she said.
The event was the 20th of its kind and was supported by companies, sponsors and community members and was said to always be a highlight on the Pretoria social calendar.
Patrons bought tickets at R8 500 per table to support the event, all in the name of charity.
Eleos is a Christian, non-profit organisation based in Pretoria. Eleos is the Greek word for “mercy in action” and that typifies what they do.
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“We strive to demonstrate love and compassion to a deprived community and address their physical, emotional and spiritual needs and wellbeing,” Botha said.
She said since the establishment of the organisation, various community projects were launched, focusing on the family as a whole.
The organisation is managed by a committee of 10 women who volunteer their time and skills.
“The desperate need and struggle of the children touched the women in such a way that they immediately decided to get actively involved,” she said.
“They not only realised how many families lived in dire need of basic essentials, but that social upliftment and ongoing projects were needed to make a difference in the children’s lives.”
Botha said the organisation was very grateful to their sponsor and members of the community, most of who came from the east of Pretoria
A community centre in Wilhelm Street and an early childhood development centre in Market Street in Pretoria soon became beacons of hope for many destitute families. Eleos has three after-school care facilities in the vicinity of the primary schools.
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The organisation planned to open a community centre in Wilhelm Street and early childhood development centre in Pretoria West. It has three after-school care facilities and 11 other children-based projects that get support from occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers.
“We are humbled and deeply thankful for everyone who contributes to our cause and sees the need to help others,” said Botha.
She urged members of the public to lend a helping hand to help change the lives of people in need.
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