Childline needs a lifeline
MORE than 28,000 children will contact Childline KZN’s crisis line in September and unless urgent funding is secured, these children will be left alone in their hour of need, as the organisation faces closure due to a lack of funds.
Childline KZN was founded over 27 years ago and each month offers free help, advice, counselling, therapy and support for children and teenagers in KZN. Issues dealt with range from bullying at school, suicide and exam pressures, to violence in the home and sexual abuse.
“The organisation has always been in a positive position. However, recent funding delays by the National Lottery, coupled with a changed focus by some previous donors, has left it in a critical situation,” said chairman, Mervyn Sigamoney.
“We have been using our reserves to keep going but these are almost finished. We have already had to suspend some services due to the financial crisis. Children are now forced to face the intimidation of court without Childline KZN’s support. We’ve had to reduce our outreach programme to children in school and stop a number of specialist counselling services. This is a heartbreaking situation as we know the impact this has on children. Already children are suffering due to the lack of funds.”
With only a few weeks of funding left, the situation is set to become a lot worse.
“We are aiming for R7-million to ensure our operations continue for another year. While this is a lot of money, we reach over 500 000 children annually. This equates to R14 a child. Just R14 to help save a child. I don’t think that’s much.”
Well-known Durban personality and former East Coast Radio DJ, Alan Khan has come on board as an ambassador.
“Childline KZN is there for everyone’s children, no matter their circumstances. There is no rich or poor, black or white, just children hurting and we have always been there to offer professional and loving support and assistance.”
To fundraise, a campaign 'Super Heroes' has been launched. “We need the heroes of KZN to donate money to save Childline KZN. No longer do super heroes have to wear a red cape, underpants on the outside or even have x-ray vision … they simply need to donate and fast!” We need big cheques from corporates, the gym clubs to give up their morning smoothie or families to give up a few sweet treats. It is such a critical situation that every single rand will make a difference. We simply cannot sit back and think someone else will do it. It is time for the heroes of KZN to show themselves,” said Khan.
To donate:
* SMS hero to 39555. SMS costs R15. You may send as many SMSes as you wish.
* Set-up a monthly debit order. Visit www.childlinekzn.org.za/superhero to download a form, or contact the office and we’ll get a copy to you.
* Credit card donations can be made through a secure online portal. Visit www.childlinekzn.org.za/superhero which will take you to a secure site for donations.
* Bank deposit Nedbank, branch code 148-626, account number 100-311-197, account name Childline KZN.
Potential donors can contact Childline KZN via email finance@childlinekzn.org.za or 031-312-0904.
