Keep the children safe

Six very special boys who call the Our Special Children’s Haven their home are in need of funding to ensure they can continue to live in a safe environment.

Spokesperson of the home, Antoinette Eksteen says the institution, a non-profit organisation that is in the process of being registered, previously operated under the auspices of St Laurence’s Children’s Haven.

“St Laurence Haven became too small for all the mentally challenged residents and they had to be moved to a separate division for special needs children when they took over occupation in July 2010,” Eksteen says. She adds that the parents of the children decided to continue running the home in order to minimise the stress and uncertainty to the six youngsters.

“They are familiar with their environment and they have become friends who depend on one another. We want to continue providing a secure and familiar environment for them, however, we are totally reliant on funds and donations from the community and businesses apart from the monthly contributions made by our parents,” Eksteen says.

She says monetary donations will be used to pay for the running of the home, including water and electricity, rent, food, caregivers and transport. “The parents are hoping to raise enough money to buy a small bus. There are currently four beds available at the home and people who wish to register their child can contact me on 078 460 3371,” says Eksteen.

According to her they have appointed registered auditors to manage the haven’s accounts to ensure that no fraud can take place.

If you wish to contribute, contact Pastor Hannes van der Merwe on 082 376 1408 or the haven mother, Elize du Plessis on 071 658 5791.