Richards Bay children’s charity projects need big boost

THIS National Children’s Day, Richards Bay charity organisation Walk in Faith is working hard to ensure no child goes to bed on an empty stomach.

The NPO is running a food drive to commemorate this day on Saturday.

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Walk in Faith founder Merinda Ackerman said many children go to bed hungry and some do not even have breakfast in the morning, as many households struggle to make ends meet.

Donations of groceries and lunch items are welcome as the organisation runs various projects on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually basis, relying on community and business support.

According to Ackerman, between four and eight children per class go to school without food and go home to empty cupboards.

“Our school feeding scheme ensures children receive a healthy and nutritious meal at school, and we are grateful to everyone who helps us meet our daily targets,” she said.

“As we gear up for the end of the year, we are working on our Box of Blessings (BOB) projects to provide 379 children with special boxes of goodies, and are collecting food parcels for families in need.

“There are still 147 children requiring sponsors. Some sponsors donate only certain items in the box so we need to ensure every box is complete.

“Financial donations must be in by the end of November and 250 of these children are also part of our stationery drive which starts in December,” said Ackerman.

Projects
The BOB project provides underprivileged children with a box of essentials, toys and clothing over the festive period.
Each wrapped A4 box should include a school or sport bag with some toiletries, snacks (maximum of three), one pair of socks and one gift from their wish list.
“We understand most donors would like to spoil the children, but we strive to maintain a set standard as some of these children have brothers and sisters, and not all of our sponsors can afford to buy expensive treats,” said Ackerman.
“Donors are, however, welcome to add some clothes or shoes to their box/bag, or something small the child would like, for example earphones or stickers.

Donor options
Option 1: Financial donation of between R300 and R350 towards a specific child on the list, and shopping and packing will be done on your behalf.
Option 2: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase the items and pack the box/bag.
Option 3: Form a group with your friends, family or co-workers, and select one or more children from the list. Decide who will be responsible for the shopping, the packing and the wrapping.
Option 4: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase all the items, deliver the items, and Walk in Faith will pack the box on your behalf.
The identities of children on the list are confidential.
Donations must be delivered to 38 Raphia Palm, Arboretum.
For more information, contact Merinda on 081 5382331 or email merinda.a69@gmail.com

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