Impilo needs to raise R250 000 to support abandoned babies

Impilo Child Protection and Adoption Services Centre in Fairvale Extension is asking for donations to support orphans and vulnerable children during this festive season.

With the end-of-year celebrations, family gatherings and thoughts of gifts, the centre aims to raise about R250 000 in their quest to support these children.

Leeat Jacobson, project manager at the centre, has appealed to all residents in the Johannesburg north-east areas to extend their helping hands.

Jacobson said they aim to raise at least R250 000 for the children they have saved from abandonment and death as well as their orphaned and vulnerable children.

“Don’t forget the most vulnerable children this Christmas, when the spirit of giving is at the forefront of your minds,” said Jacobson.

“Your gift, no matter how small, to these children may, literally, be the gift of life. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This saying serves as a direct interpretation of a number of South African babies who are abandoned in public dustbins, toilets, rivers, parks and at the doorsteps of church buildings and thus this appeal to help raise the funds.”

She said childhood should never start by being left all alone, to freeze to death, to be eaten by rats or to be disposable.

Jacobson, however, said many mothers in South Africa find themselves in desperate situations where they have no support, money or home for them to care for their newborn babies, and out of fear and helplessness, they abandon their babies.

Media reports have revealed that in Johannesburg alone, at least three babies are abandoned every day, she said.

“There is an estimated 3 500 babies abandoned in South Africa each year. Any public assistance is crucial in ensuring these young ones are given a fighting chance,” she said.

Anyone who wishes to donate can contact the centre on 011 640 1343.

Details: msk@global.co.za