OPERATION Bobbi Bear have received overwhelming support from the community after announcing that without funding they will be forced to close their doors, not operations, in the new year.

Bobbi Bear director, Eureka Olivier, said that since the SUN’s December 9 edition titled ‘Closure looms for Operation Bobbi Bear’ came out, they have been overwhelmed with support, phone calls, messages and financial pledges.

“The most amazing thing about these phone calls is the love and support from the community. They all had a similar story, saying ‘You cannot close Bobbi Bear, you’re a valuable asset in the community and we will make a plan to keep your doors open’,” she said.

Olivier said she even had school principals and parents phoning to say that if their doors close, where will the children go for love, support and advice.

“As low as we were feeing, that support uplifted us. Knowing that we are actually important to the community, and that they will make a plan to support us, brings a sense of hope,” said Olivier.

She added that a lot of companies are shutting down for December, however, they have pledged their financial support for the new year. “The most common response from the community, was that they were under the impression we were financially well-off and that we received regular funding from overseas sponsors. Our overseas funding stopped during Covid-19, looting and the floods. Yes, our house might be paid for, but we still have to keep it running,” said Olivier.

She was overjoyed to find out that families in Amanzimtoti have decided to buy and drop off food, as opposed to spending hundreds of rand on Christmas presents. “We have already had some donations of food and money come in. We have also managed to pay some utilities for December,” said Olivier.

In response to the SUNs Facebook post Bobbi Bear faces closure without funding, was a comment from Liezel Coxen who said, “Come on Toti and beyond, set up a stop order for R50 or more if you can. If we can get 200 people to donate R100 a month, that will be R20 000 a month that walks in the door. The workers are too busy doing their work, they can’t stand at malls shaking a can asking for change from the public.”

With this month being their busiest and most difficult time of the year, they still plead with the community to consider dropping off donations of food or making a financial contribution. She also thanks all those who have already helped.

“From the bottom of our and the children’s hearts, I want to thank the community for their concern, love, support and reassurance that they will ensure we keep our doors open. Also a special thank you to Mac’s Familia and Motorcycle Club who are going above and beyond to raise funds and collect donations for us,” said Olivier.

On behalf of Bobbi Bear, she wishes the community an amazing Christmas, and reminds them that they are on standby 24 hours a day.

For more information, contact 031 903 2424 or 072 443 2525. To make a monetary donation, use the following details: Bobbi Bear Fund, FNB, account number: 62018619471, branch code: 250655.

DID YOU KNOW?

Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.

The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)