Gala event to raise funds for children’s homes
This years gala event will be held at Eduplex auditorium on March 3 with actress Lizz Meiring as MC and musician, Leon Gropp as guest artist.
The team of Jakaranda and Louis Botha children’s homes are working very hard because their annual gala evening, in support of the homes, is drawing closer.
This year’s gala event will be held at Eduplex’s auditorium on March 3 with actress Lizz Meiring as MC and the musician, Leon Gropp starring as the guest artist.
The CEO of the respective homes, Charlene Grobler said that children’s homes have really suffered financially this past two years.
They are currently looking after 350 children.
“We have a waiting list that is six pages long. Our numbers escalated dramatically due to Covid-19.”
The annual Jakaranda children’s home light festival could not take place for two years in a row.
“However, we are very grateful for the organisers of Greenlyn market that approached us for a fundraising event.
“More than R160 000 was gathered during the market, but it is only a small drop in the ocean.
“Our expenses are enormous.”
Most of the children put in their care, are there because of sexual abuse or parents who cannot look after them financially.
“No one dreams of growing up in a children’s home, but we want to be the best Plan B there possibly.
“That is why I believe in a multi-disciplinary team. We are sincere and honest with the children.
“I will do anything in my power to make their experience at the home an unforgettable one.”
Grobler has been involved with the home for 16 years now.
“It is a privilege to walk this journey with the children.
“We have the chance to proof to the children that there are adults they can trust.
“Their idea of adults might be absolutely awful, but that is not normal and not how it is supposed to be.”
The children are transported to 18 different schools on a daily basis. Currently, there are nine homes at Louis Botha and 20 on Jakaranda’s premises.
“Every child has a future.
“My wish for every child that leaves us one day, is to be proud to say that they grew up at Jakaranda or Louis Botha children’s homes.
“It is not the children’s fault that they ended up here, but they have to work hard. However, it is our responsibility to teach these children.”
The team has to think outside of the box on a daily basis to generate enough funds.
The shop Finders Keepers opened its doors in September where the public can walk in any time to come and see “what we have on the shelves”.
“We also have a clothing shop, My Space for the kids where they can just walk in and take anything their hearts desire.
“That is why we need the public’s support – without donations we cannot go forward.”
The homes also opened a stall at the boere market recently.
“Everything that is sold there has been made by the homes’ parents and the children.
“There are delicious buttermilk and health rusks and hot sauces, earrings, T-shirts with a message that we print ourselves and cake pops. The house mother and the children make it all themselves. They love it, all the children can bake.
“It is our goal to send the children out into the grown-up world with the necessary skills.
“We sourced a woman to come and teach the children how to make clay earrings.”
Eduplex has made their auditorium available for free for the homes’ gala evening.
“It will be a very stylish event.
“Two former children will speak to the audience about their experiences at the homes. They are a symbol of hope. I am extremely proud of these children.
“We are inviting the community to come and enjoy the evening with us.”
Tickets are R500 per person. For more information, contact Ina Kotze on 082 416 7073.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
