Difficult time for St Mary’s Children’s Home
We are close to throwing in the towel and close down but we cannot leave the children without a home - this is their home."
Lockdown has been a very difficult time for St Mary’s Children’s Home, leaving them in a financial tight spot.
Not only did they have to deal with the normal illnesses during winter, they also had to provide for the normal day to day needs of the children.
“We had to make sure that the children also received a Vitamin C boost on top of the other medical expenses. This despite no income being generated,” said Sonja Harmse, director of St Mary’s.
“The Department of Social Development was supposed to provide us with all the necessities like masks and sanitizers but this was only received later on during the lockdown. “We had no option but to buy all we needed and that has put us under tremendous financial strain.”
During the levels 4 and 5, they did not allow anybody into the home.
“We have only recently opened our doors again. We have definitely felt the consequences of lockdown as we have not received many donations.”
Sonja said they are hoping to get more supplies in the form of medication and food because they simply can’t cope.
“We are just hoping for government and companies to reach out to us in our time of need. Any help we can get to keep our home that has been running for 170 years will be truly appreciate,” she said.
Sonja said they have at least received some help from churches.
“Churches have provided groceries and some individuals have also donated food. For this we are forever grateful,” she said.
“Business which usually supported us are also taking strain and social responsibility is not their priority at this stage. Even though we understand their predicament, this does not change the fact that we are close to throwing in the towel.
“But we can’t leave the children without a home. We are trying our utmost to save the home and to keep it running but it is very tough,” she said.
They are registered to home 60 children but at the moment they looking after 63.
“We are trying to scale down because of the circumstances.”
Should you be able to assist in any way, contact St Mary’s Children’s Home at 011 435 3820.
