Baby house welcomes 11 new faces
Most of the babies came from areas as far as Germiston, Alberton and Johannesburg.
Children are precious and it’s everyone’s responsibility to look after them. When they are in danger, it’s crucial to provide a safe, alternative environment for them.
In 2004 the Florida Baby House was established with the aim of offering safe accommodation and a loving environment to abandoned, abused and surrendered babies. It’s almost two decades later, and the house is still going strong.
According to house mother, Nicky Viljoen, a lot has changed since the Record last reported on the house in August last year.
“Last year August we were looking after about nine babies. Within the next month or two we have managed to get six of the little ones back to their own, safe homes. Little did we know we were about to welcome 11 new additions to the house within a matter of about two weeks. This means we’re almost at capacity now,” she said.
Most of the babies came from areas as far as Germiston, Alberton and Johannesburg. The youngest baby is only six weeks old while the oldest is almost two. The Florida Baby House staff typically look after babies ranging from birth up until two years of age.
Many of the babies are either returned to their biological family once they are deemed fit to take care of them, or are adopted by eligible parents. The house falls directly under the Mosaïek Congregation’s Embark Foundation and receives minimum government support.
“While we mainly depend on Mosaïek to keep us afloat, donations from the community are always welcome. We’ve been asking on Facebook for cloth nappies in order to convert them into spoegdoeke and we’ve had such a great response from the public. And for that we are truly grateful,” Nicky said.
With 12 babies crawling around, it’s important to build up sufficient stock that would last the house at least a little while.
They are currently in need of baby products such as Infacare formula, nappies, Top-To-Toe body wash, baby wipes, disposable nappy bags, baby oil, baby shampoo, baby towels, receiver blankets and Vaseline. Cleaning products include Jik, black refuse bags, pine gel, Sunlight Liquid, washing powder, Handy Andy, air freshener and toilet paper; groceries such as tea, coffee, sugar, margarine, long-life milk, Oros, canned sweet corn, baked beans, fresh fruits and veggies, instant maize and oatmeal; snacks for children such as biscuits, cheese curls, yogurt, teething biscuits and chocolates such as Chomps and Kit-Kats.
Items on their wish list include Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Takealot and Builders Warehouse vouchers.
“We’ve had a record amount of donation over the past few months and we would just like to thank everyone who made a contribution. We don’t know where we would have been without the community’s support. However, as many parents would know, you can never have too much stock for the little ones,” Nicky concluded.
If you would like support these innocent and curious little bodies, feel free to visit their Facebook page, Florida Baby House or contact 084 211 7304 for more information.
