Six more children have recently been placed in the care of Lekwa Baby Rescue (LBR). This NPO houses and cares for abandoned babies and children in Standerton. It has been operational as a registered NPO since 2022, but began its journey as a safe place for children in 2020.

“Since taking on child protection full-time, the community has been very good to us, delivering everything we need to care for the children,” said Cani Venter.

LBR received clothes, food, and baby supplies from the community.

Significant help came from Thandi and Goodness Mokoena, who volunteer at LBR. “They help with cooking, cleaning, and caring for the children and have made a big difference since we met them,” stated Venter.

Faith is extremely important to the Venter family, and they attend church with the children in their care. Venter explained they took on LBR full-time after receiving a promise from God.

“We were unsure about our next step, and each time we prayed for clarification, God’s promise to provide for us came through,” explained Venter.

Now, five years later, the Venter family can house and protect 10 children. According to Venter, they pray for each child that enters their home.

“God’s plan is not for children to suffer, but for them to thrive.”

Four children arrived at LBR during the week of September 8, finally receiving a safe home. Venter said having 10 children in one household can be chaotic.

“The reality has not set in yet. We are glad these children have a safe place to sleep at night,” added Venter’s husband, Louis.

LBR urges the community to contribute and help keep their babies’ bellies full and their beds warm. Four of the 10 children will attend school and need school clothes.

Venter said they need plastic cutlery and plates for feeding times, and diapers in sizes two, four, five, six, and seven.

“We have four children who still use diapers,” said Venter.

She also stated they always need Lactogen Formula 1 milk to feed the babies. One of LBR’s greatest needs at this stage is bigger premises to accommodate the children and beds.

“We have four children per room in our home and need more space for the children to live more comfortably,” explained Venter.

Grocery donations are also always welcome. The Venter family is grateful for every contribution they receive, including a generous sponsorship of waste products from a local retail shop.

Various other sponsors, such as Goldi, Perfect Water, and Hande van Hoop, regularly help LBR to enhance the quality of life of children in the home.

“We need Standerton to help these children,” concluded Venter.

Anyone willing to donate to LBR can use the following banking details: Account Name: Lekwa Baby Rescue, Standard Bank, account number 10257565661, current account.

Alternatively, contact Cani at 071 245 6420.