Children’s haven in praise over gift of 44 000 nappies
NAZARETH HOUSE has received its biggest donation of nappies yet. The Clicks Helping Hand Trust gave the sanctuary 44 000 nappies for abused, abandoned, terminally ill and severely disabled children in its care yesterday.
The donation was made after a Cape Time article in December highlighted the 130year-old non-profit organisation’s call for assistance.
It costs the Vredehoekbased organisation a staggering R7.5 million a year to run the home.
While Nazareth House receives monthly grants of R1 200 per child from the Social Development Department, its general manager Gayenor Milne said nappies alone cost R120 000 per year.
Nazareth House also runs homes in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Zimbabwe.
“The R10 000 we spent on nappies every month can now be used to train more staff.
“The children here use up to six nappies a day, and we also have to pay thousands to dispose of it responsibly,” said Milne.
Medical supplies, clothing, occupational therapy, transport and baby milk are also some of the essentials the home will have extra money to spend on.
Clicks Helping Hand Trust co-ordinator Liat Beinart said it had taken some time get arrangements in place to have such a huge number of nappies delivered to Nazareth House because it was not an “usual type of donation we make” since it had been the festive season.
“I’m really excited that we are finally here. Mom and baby services are our key thing. It felt like the right way to do community work,” said Beinart.
Nazareth House chairper- son Werner Laubscher said the home always received donations, but not as big as the 44 000 nappies.
“I think it’s awesome how people pick up on things through the power of media. It led to people participating and coming to our rescue. Everyone involved in this organisation has passion. But none of it would be possible without the help of our donors,” said Laubscher.