Make your contribution towards the teddy collection

As festive celebrations approach, the Salvation Army in Kensington is working hard to give the children of the Strathyre Girls Home in Kensington a joyous Christmas.

The non-profit organisation (NPO) aims to do this with the help of public or private benefactors, as it relies heavily on donations to continue operating.

“We welcome all donations and whenever we get an opportunity to approach individuals, we do so in the hope that someone might lend a helping hand,” said manager at the home with The Salvation Army, Naomi Malinga.

For the second year, Ward 118 Clr Neuren Pietersen has pursued the same endeavour of gifting the girls’ home with Christmas presents.

Also read: Strathyre – a haven for young girls

He hopes this will bring smiles on their faces and lessen the burden of their situations.

“As usual we will be collecting teddy bears,” said Pietersen of his and Kensington resident Nataschia Gunn’s efforts.

“We have set up two collection points with the aim of collecting 100 teddy bears this year.

“One will be at Die Kniepe German Pub and the other at Italia Pizza & Pasta in Kensington. If teddies are not your thing then stationary, toiletries (non-perfume) or any other gift appropriate for a young teenage girl whose sights are set on a brighter future, are welcome.

“Last year was a tremendous success and we hope to make this even bigger and better. Any excess donations will be carried over to St Giles and Avalon Homes where appropriate.”

Malinga said the home accommodates 42 girls aged five to 20 years, all of whom have been affected by socio-economic challenges which stem from poor family backgrounds.

Also read: The Strathyre Girls Home in Kensington urges the community to help with host families and tutors

“The children are brought here by virtue of a court order, which has found that the children have endured sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment, at the hands of either their biological parents or legal guardians,” she said.