Donations pour in for deaf school hit in dual robberies

DONATIONS are pouring in for Carel du Toit centre for deaf children after thieves broke into the centre and stole crucial equipment worth R20 000 and roof tiling and copper theft worth R7 000.

The theft of the equipment and material worth R27 000 was in two break-ins in as many weeks.

Thieves stole cochlear implant programming cables and computers containing the software for the procedure. This delayed a switch on of a cochlear implant for Inothando Qalinto.

Inothando’s switch-on took place a day later after a Pretoriabased service providers of the centre sent the life-changing cables overnight via courier.

Inothando’s story touched so many people, resulting in businesses donating to the centre.

The Rotary Club of Gately donated R10 000 to the NGO to help them replace some of the lifechanging equipment, said Carel du Toit principal Paula Kumm.

Kumm said they had been inundated with calls from all over the country offering donations.

Kumm said the Rotary Club of East London had pledged a “substantial” donation.

The centre also received two laptops and two kitchen appliances from Defy East London.

“They gave us a tumble dryer and a stove. We are grateful to them for the offer,” said Kumm.

PNA Stationers donated two desktop computers, while Isuzu Port Elizabeth also offered a computer.

“We are overwhelmed by the response of the public and thank everyone who have donated,” said Kumm.

Maryke Fuls, the spokeswoman for PageGroup, said the owners of the company, Darel and Gussie Eberhard, were moved by the article in the Daily Dispatch and decided to help. Fuls said: “Darel and Gussie have a heart for the community of East London and believe in helping the community. Our IT manager, Kyle Whitfield, will help set up the computers and programme the software.”

The Rotary Club of East London director for humanitarian services, Rolf Werner, confirmed that apart from many sponsorships they give regularly to the school, the club would upgrade the centre’s security.

East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala confirmed that the police were investigating a case of burglary. —