Oct 19, 2021 | News
In reflecting on this past year, I am saddened by the pain so many people have had to experience. The loss of loved ones, livelihoods, and life as it was pre Covid-19. The looting and unrest here in KZN was another moment in time that will forever remain etched in our memories. The intense emotions linked to these experiences seem to swirl around us with unrelenting force, leaving us spent.
The beautiful thing about working with children though is how they remind us, every day in so many ways, why we cannot lose hope. Hope for our future, for our families and for our country. This little four-letter word, H O P E is so much bigger than what it looks like on paper.
Hope is not pretending that there is no hardship or sorrow. It is rather the quiet still voice that whispers that our troubles are for a season. It is the inner strength we can draw on to sustain us now and tomorrow. Hope is an amazing feeling.
It is hope that has kept so many of us going this year. As lockdown levels eased, we saw how hope rose in our children. Hope for more meaningful contact with family and community, hope for regular school attendance and hope for a future.
The generous support of so many of our donors kept hope alive as we struggled to raise funds in an environment that has become progressively more hostile and barren – as the after effects of the pandemic and, more recently, the looting took effect. As we draw close to wrapping up this year, let us hold tightly onto the light and promise that hope fosters in our hearts.
Oct 19, 2021 | News
Sadly, our trusty Yaris was written off by our Insurer after being damaged in a minor accident recently. We are grateful to be insured, however the R30 000 settlement is nowhere near enough to cover the cost of another vehicle.
Over the past 14 years, this little car proved to be work horse. It was used by child and youth care workers to attend parent meetings at schools during evenings and weekends when our drivers are not available … to transport very ill children to hospital after hours and on weekends … to transport social workers, senior child and youth care workers and admin staff to training sessions … to the bank, and to the shops for small items.
In February 2019, the Yaris became indispensable as the means to transport food from our central kitchen at 222 Lena Ahrens Road to the 265/267 Lena Ahrens Road property over weekends and public holidays.
At a time when we are already finding the fundraising space so hostile, this unexpected expense is crushing! If you know of anyone within the motor industry that could help us with a vehicle sponsorship please email nicolette@dch.org.za
Oct 14, 2021 | News
Our buildings are over 116 years old. Which means that they require considerable maintenance and, in some cases, renovation. We need them to provide a safe and secure environment for the children in our care. But, when you are operating on a limited budget, meeting the day to day basic living needs of the children has to take priority.
We are currently facing a shortfall of R 4,9 million on our operating budget for the year, which is why we are so grateful for all and any donations. In particular, we wish to thank Des-ign Group for their kind and generous donation to attend to critical flooring repairs at Khayelisha House.
The flooring was in a bad state and when the contractors started pulling off the old carpets, we were able to see just how bad! Extensive repairs and renovations were needed and Des-ign Group generously undertook the repairs, and prepare the floors for a vinyl finish which will be completed by the end of October.
Thank you for helping in this practical way.
Oct 14, 2021 | News
Thanks to Sai Care 108 Pty Ltd we were able to host our annual Heritage Day celebration. We are incredibly grateful for their sponsorship of this special event – one that our children really look forward to and enjoy!
Our children enjoyed a delicious heritage meal and they all received gifts – making this a day they will hold in their memory for a long time to come.
Oct 14, 2021 | News
Eight of our young people were recently selected to participate in a one day culinary skills programme facilitated by Ethekwini Caterers.
Our children thoroughly enjoyed the day and embraced the opportunity to learn something new – and did really well! Well done to our boys and girls!
A very big thank you to Ethekwini Caterers for making this all happen.
