Nashua Children’s Charity Foundation hosts lunch for caregivers
ROSEBANK – The Nashua Children's Charity Foundation celebrated the hard work of men and women from 75 different charities.
About 60 caregivers from various charities were treated to a special afternoon at the Hyatt Regency as a thank you for their hard work.
The Nashua Children’s Charity Foundation, which supports 75 children’s organisations, hosted the lunch to thank them for their tireless work.
It all started when Nashua approached Helen Fraser, who is the operations director, to start the foundation. “At the time they [Nashua] were getting so many requests for help so they asked me if I could set up something for them.”
Fraser, who has been involved with charity work for the better part of 30 years, said that when she was approached to start the foundation her priority was to ensure that it supported children.
“Twelve years ago we had two charities, today we have 75. I’m very open about the fact that it’s not about anyone but the children. But today, this is our way of acknowledging how they take care of the children.”
For the event, men and women who represent the 75 charities were treated to a buffet lunch and an inspirational talk by Dragons and Butterflies author, Shani Zor Krebs.
Ivy Kokwe, from Bambi Care in Diepsloot, was one of the caregivers invited to the lunch. The crèche cares for young children and provides an education and meals to children daily.
Kokwe said, “I was so surprised when I saw this, it is so special.”
The foundation supports the charities in various ways which included purchasing groceries, cleaning materials and toiletries as well as school uniforms, stationery and educational equipment. The foundation also provides for building and renovations and sponsored outings for the children.
Fraser added that the event, which is now in its 7th year, also provides a great networking opportunity for the charities. “From the first one, people didn’t realise how close they were to others so they’d say, ‘ We have this and this, can we donate this to you’ so it’s been really fantastic for them.”
She said the lunch itself takes about three months to plan to ensure that everyone from the charities will be available. “It’s now down to a fine art, it’s very organised.”
