Toys, clothing needed for new rape centre
It is true. The Rape Crisis Centre has moved from the old house in the grounds of Komani Hospital to Frontier Hospital and is now called the Thuthuzela Crisis Centre and situated upstairs from casualty.
It is a lovely, clean and modern facility but is in need of various items that we in the Komani community could help provide, as we did for the previous facility at the Komani Hospital precinct.
There is a lovely room for children to wait in and the walls are painted with animals, but it could use some plastic childsized tables and chairs, or bean bags to sit on. Colouring-in books and crayons have already been donated and some soft toys too. But it would be wonderful to have more — some toys, and a carpet or two that would make this room more welcoming and friendly. At the moment it all looks very new and “cold”.
A kind friend, Tish Barry, has painted some fun pictures to “soften” the walls of the entrance area. We hope that they will soon be put up on the walls, and the reception area will feel more homely.
Second-hand clothing, washed and neatly folded, are also in need. Teenage boys and girl’s clothes as well as adult clothes are needed.
In the past Rotary, churches, Interact groups in schools and individuals who care have been amazing at helping the staff at the crisis centre to have a more user-friendly facility.
We are still awaiting confirmation that the two coloscope machines in the old Crisis Centre have been moved to the new Thuthuzela Crisis Centre. One was donated by the Rotary Annes from America and one is from the Eastern Cape health department.
These amazing machines help the forensics department get complete, accurate, statements for the rape court cases and to get convictions. However, we have yet to have confirmation of the move from the acting CEO of Frontier hospital, Dr Nxiweni.
If you have any of the needs mentioned, please contact Helen Morgan on 076-0448958 to collect or drop off at her home, 66 Berry Street, Komani.