WATCH: For the love of a child
According to Nadene Grabham, operations director of Door of Hope, she said there will be a threat to adoptions if the proposed amendment to the Children’s Act comes into place at the end of this year.
THE Door of Hope has experienced many challenges over the 20 years it’s been in operation but none more so than what they may be faced with towards the end of this year.
According to Nadene Grabham, operations director of Door of Hope, she said there will be a threat to adoptions if the proposed amendment to the Children’s Act comes into place at the end of this year.
“We are very concerned if the Act is passed it’s more than likely none of our 71 babies and children currently at the Door of Hope, between nought and three years old, will ever be adopted and experience a loving family.
“This Act will also affect similar organisations such as the Door of Hope and we are encouraging the community to sign a petition which is presently in place.
“In the past we have had lots of our babies and children adopted, with many going to adoptive parents overseas. What will happen if they can no longer be privately adopted? Who will care for them and thousands of others in a country which has over two million orphans and more than 3 500 children who survive abandonment every year,” said Nadene.
“They will have to go into long-term institutional care and their interests won’t be considered at all. Permanent family care for children is far the best option for children.”
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“Our babies and little ones deserve to be placed with loving families and grow up with the certainty of being safe and loved,” added Nadene.
Background of Door of Hope
In July 1999 the very first baby box was placed in a wall in the home in Berea, Hillbrow and out of a total of 1 683 babies who have come through the Door of Hope, 222 have come through the baby box.
The box, in more recent years, was modernised but still remains. One is at the Berea Baptist Church in Hillbrow Street and the other at the home in Doris Street at the front of the house. “Many countries worldwide have followed our idea and in South Africa alone there are now a total of 33 baby boxes.
“We have three homes now, the main one in Berea, and two in Glenvista, with another home in the process of being built in Eikenhof.”
Needs now at Door of Hope
With 71 babies and children from nought to three years old at the Door of Hope now, they use 15 000 nappies a month and between 80 and 90 tins (1.8kg tin) of formula.
“We use Pamper nappies because of the quality. They work out cheaper in the long run than cheaper brands and we are always in need of medium, large and extra-large sizes.
“Nan Optipro formula is the best for us and if anyone would like to donate either of these products, thank you. We also go through lots of Purity and baby cereals and of course, all baby consumables, such as bum cream and baby wipes. Hand sanitiser is also very welcome as well as cleaning products and Sunlight Auto washing powder.
“We don’t need baby clothing, blankets and toys. We are extremely fortunate as our community are generous and donate lots of these things to us.
“We truly appreciate all our donors and supporters and thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Nadene said.
If you would like to donate but would prefer to give a monetary donation, bank details are: Standard Bank – Code 006405, Door of Hope account – 201072688. Dischem, Clicks and Pick n Pay vouchers are always welcome too.
For more information please contact 011 432 2797 or info@doorofhope.co.za alternatively visit their website – www.doorofhope.co.za
