SECUNDA – Members of the Dra Mekaar social group gathered at the NG Kerk Goedehoop Gemeente to donate a collection of handmade and donated baby items to the Baby Basket.

The items were received by the Tree-Seeds Foundation founder, Liné de Vries, for the Baby Basket, a sanctuary opened in September 2025 that cares for abandoned children from birth to age four.

During the handover, Gertrude Pretorius of Dra Mekaar noted that every stitch was ‘done with love’ to ensure the babies feel cared for.

De Vries said that the facility currently cares for eight children: five babies under 5 months old, two 9-month-old girls, and a 3-year-old who is currently in the process of adoption.

She highlighted that while some children face developmental or medical challenges, caregivers provide intensive cognitive behavioural therapy to support their growth.

“It is sometimes difficult for them to adapt, but we know God has greater plans for them all,” said De Vries.

“These children need your prayers.”

She said she and the caregivers get excited with every bit of development the little ones show or do.

“We do not see colour, we see tiny feet and little hands. We are all God’s children, and He sees us all as equal.”

The meeting, opened by Ds Diederich Kleynhans, also included get-well wishes for the chairperson, Eileen Bezuidenhout.

The group’s next meeting is a Mother’s Day breakfast on May 13 at Bossa Restaurant. For more information, contact Bezuidenhout at 082 467 5307.