Charities for Change
Various charities from across Gauteng have united to improve their services and support one another.
ALBERTON- With the needs of our community growing significantly, Charities for Change have created a forum for charity organisations to come together and support one another.
The group is under new management, with Alta Mcmaster and Renay Bunke sharing the chairlady position. The group met the morning of February 24 at the Promise Grill in Meyersdal, and some 12 charities shared their vision and how they are involved in the communities they serve.
As the conversations got under way it was clear that many of them could link efforts and support one another in very practical ways.
Martin Pelders represented MatrixMen, an organisation that assists survivors of abuse and sexual abuse. They aim to create awareness of male sexual abuse, which is seen as a hot topic that most people avoid. MatrixMen are currently supporting victims involved in the Bob Hewitt court case, and their aim is to have a representative in each police station in the long run.
Other charities present included Solidariteit, who focus their efforts on the Afrikaans population, especially the children and elderly.
TEARS acts as a bridge between those affected by rape and sexual abuse and service providers of appropriate quality. The Grace Factory collects baby items and distributes these to children’s homes in need.
Each of the 12 charities present has a crucial role to play in their areas of involvement and need increased funding, volunteers and trained specialists to help with the demand.
The forum has an electronic database with all the details of the participants so that a good support structure can be formed. This database will eventually also include the areas and places that the charities are involved in to protect volunteers from “charity hoppers” who take advantage of them.
If you want more information or would like to join, please contact Alta Mcmaster on 082 940 6230.
