Cape Town - While several little children play carefree under the supervision of staff and volunteers at the Christine Revell Children’s Home in Athlone, a donation of essential items by the Cape Town Chinese Women’s Association and Survé Philanthropies added extra joy.
On Wednesday, the donation was handed over and welcomed by the home’s staff. Christine Revell Children’s Home provides full-time care for up to 50 babies and young children from birth to 5 years of age, with the children placed by social workers.
General manager at the home, Anneline Scholtz said: “The children that are placed here are placed with a court order and the children that are here are abandoned, abused and neglected. They do have parents, but due to circumstances at home, children are not safe at home.”
Some of the children come from as far as Mossel Bay, George, Saldanha Bay, and Robertson.
The home has around 26 staff members, volunteers and a programme with UCT, which sees its Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy students completing their practicals assisting with the developmental challenges many of the children face as a result of what they have experienced.
The home also has a Host Parent and Volunteer programme.
Scholtz said the day-to-day running of the home was exorbitant, one of its largest expenses being nappies, with around 3000 nappies used a month.
She said the need for nappies, perishable and non-perishable food items and Lactogen infant formula were some of the home’s more crucial needs. “The donation is very significant because we only get 60% funds from (the Department of) Social Development and for the other 40% we need to raise funds, and this is where sponsors and donors come in.
“I just want to say thank you very much for coming out and reaching out to Christine Revell and wanting to make a difference in the lives of these children. We really appreciate it. It is the first time and I hope it won’t be the last time.”
Chairperson of the Cape Town Chinese Women’s Association and general manager of Cape Grand China, Yumei Shi, said: “Women are always linked with children. Children are important and very important to our life as our future. Living here, we want to help the children, give them a little bit of support as best we can.”
The wife of Cape Town Consul General of China, Madam Zhu Wenjun, was also present for the handover.
On behalf of Survé Philanthropies, Palesa Nangu said: “Survé Philanthropies, in collaboration with Cape Town Grand China, proudly supported Christine Revell Children’s Home by donating 1 200 nappies, 300 wet wipes, and essential soaps.
“The event underscores our commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities, continuing the legacy of empowering initiatives outlined in our ongoing projects.”
shakirah.thebus@inl.co.za