Vita Nova Centre in Daggafontein received donated clothes from the Creative Education Centre (CEC) in Selcourt on November 15.

This followed an appeal to donate clothes that came from the Save The Environment Club at the CEC. The school also donated R50 000 to Vita Nova.

The Springs Advertiser reported on the launch of the Save The Environment Club in October and called on the community to help them collect clothes. Speaking to the Springs Advertiser at the handover, Vita Nova’s director, Michelle Immelman, expressed gratitude to the club.

“Contributions like clothing and toys make a difference to the people we serve, and we deeply appreciate the club’s support.

“Many of the individuals and families who come to Vita Nova Centre arrive with very few personal belongings, often in difficult or transitional stages of their lives.”

“Having access to clean, season-appropriate, good-quality clothing helps meet their immediate daily needs and allows them to feel more comfortable, confident, and dignified,” said Immelman.

She also said the donated children’s clothing and toys ease the financial burden on the residents’ parents and create a sense of normalcy for their children.

She added that items like warm coats, everyday outfits, and even small toys can make a significant difference in helping families feel supported and cared for during a challenging time.

Immelman said donations like those from CEC allow them to redirect limited resources toward other essential services.

The R50 000 will help them provide better care, improve their environment, and ensure that the residents receive the dignity, support, and opportunities they deserve.

CEC principal Franca Barresi said that seeing learners take the lead in an initiative that focuses on the plight of the less fortunate is satisfying and reassuring.

“Mikaela Francis, who led the club, raised awareness among the learners, reassuring us a learner with a heart for those less fortunate will make the world a better place – now and in the future.”

ALSO CHECK: Vita Nova is grateful for the generous donation

Barresi believed the donation confirmed that one person with vision and drive would inspire others. She added that the project grew as more learners realised that doing good feels good.

“Such projects help learners become aware of the extended community of those who may not enjoy what they take for granted.

“In a society that promotes self-interest or self-image or self-aggrandisement through superficial content on social media, such a project is the antithesis – it makes learners and adults aware that others need our help,” said the principal.

She shared how good it was to witness the hard work of sorting out clothes interspersed with the excited banter of children at the sorting tables.

Bee Gee Electronic from Springs CBD sponsored the school with transportation of the clothes, and ElementSix sponsored goodie bags for the residents.

Immelman said the support that would make the biggest difference right now is donations of toiletries and items for the residents’ Christmas lunch, including chicken and vegetables.

The centre is also hosting a Christmas Market on November 29, and Immelman said that they would appreciate the community’s support for this event, whether by attending, volunteering, or contributing.