NPO hit by burglary scourge

Brakfontein-based non-profit organisation, Greensleeves, had four burglaries at their premises in one week recently.

The organisation was founded in 1998 as a place of safety for children, but many of them cannot be placed into foster homes and end up staying at Greensleeves.

The Daily Dispatch reported (“Place of safety hit by break-ins”, February 25) that most of the stolen items at the time were donations made to them, such as winter blankets, clothes, toys and food.

Founder Dianne Lehy said nothing was stolen during two of the break-ins but the damaged locks, doors, and safe cost over R20,000 to replace – or repair.

“After this incident, we need to pay security guards and install an alarm and cameras. “We have a security company that is willing to fit an alarm or camera if we get any donations from the public,” Lehy said.

The organisation has now grown to include a school as well as a children’s home, with teachers, house mothers, cooks, and caretakers. Twenty staff members look after more than 40 children. Lehy said since the break-ins started about six years ago, the children’s bicycles and the TV in the activity hall had been stolen, as well as shoes and clothes from the boys’ house.

“Our main aim is to get tight security for the home, for the sake of the children's safety.

“We welcome donations that could financially assist us in paying the security that we are hoping to get,” Lehy said.