Open wallets warm Knysna Child Welfare hearts
KNYSNA - Child Welfare South Africa's Knysna branch recently held its annual charity gala evening, with local business owners and sponsors of the organisation coming together for a special night at Simola Golf & Country Estate.
The evening on Tuesday 5 September featured a three-course meal for the attendees, as they revelled in stories of the successes of the organisation over the past year. Knysna Child Welfare has undergone immense growth since its new board and committee took over late last year. The organisation oversees and administers Dorothy Broster Child and Youth Care Centre, a safe haven for orphaned children and at-risk youth.
It was in fact Dorothy Broster that was their biggest miracle of the past year. The centre was issued with a notice of closure by the Department of Social Development in November last year, with the building and centre in a severe state of disrepair. However, the enthusiastic and determined board at Knysna Child Welfare jumped into action and elicited the help of kind benefactors
from all around Knysna.
In only a month's time, they completely overhauled Dorothy Broster, giving it a brand-new look inside and out. This ensured that the centre could reopen its doors in 2023, but they continued to face financial difficulties due to high operating costs. This is where fundraising events such as the gala make a big difference. Simola very kindly hosted the event free of charge, meaning any money raised on the night would go straight to the organisation.
After reports from Knysna Child Welfare's board, an auction was held with various items, ranging from stays at Simola to stunning artworks, available to be bid on. Through sales at the auction and other donations received on the night, Knysna Child Welfare was able to raise roughly R100k that will go a long way to covering running costs for the organisation as well as Dorothy Broster.
If you would like to get in touch with Knysna Child Welfare and get involved, do so via telephone (044 382 1178) or email (childknysna@cyberperk.co.za).