Thank you for your support – le Roux
“None of the food which was taken nor the money in the safe was insured because insuring those items are extremely expensive.”
Chairperson of Child Welfare SA Edenvale and Bedfordview Pieter le Roux thanked the community for their immense support during the NPO’s time of struggle after it was burgled.
“The community has rallied beyond our expectations, even people from Johannesburg and further afield have donated.
“Even charities and NPOs like Edenhaven have come to our aid. We are so humbled by the response, by the community and by those who have helped us.”
On February 28 the branch, which caters for families and children in need in the greater Edenvale and Bedfordview area, was broken into and several items were stolen.
Le Roux said some of the items stolen included food, an undisclosed amount of money, a DVR for the camera system and appliances. A wake of destruction was left behind by the suspects.
Le Roux said doors were damaged, cupboards forced open and various items were strewn across the welfare’s offices.
He said on March 1 one of the teachers informed the welfare’s office administrator, who in turn informed le Roux of the burglary.
Le Roux said when he arrived at the school one of the doors to the welfare was open and the power was off.
“I just felt sorry, sorry for the staff. Sorry for the community because it wasn’t just us who were burgled, it was also the community.”
Le Roux explained that some of the items taken during the burglary were items that were donated by community members.
He said learners who had arrived for their school day were sent home and the school was shut down for the day. According to le Roux, the burglary took its toll on the welfare branch.
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“None of the food, which was taken, nor the money in the safe was insured because to insure those items are extremely expensive.
“The items which were insured carried a very high excess, so we cannot just replace what was stolen although it was insured.”
Le Roux said this was the second time the welfare branch was burgled in the five years he has been chairperson.
“We are getting a lot of things done and additional security measures put in places and donated, so I would like to thank all the security companies and individuals who have assisted us with that regard.
“It is our priority to secure the branch and show the staff and the community that we are safe.”
Le Roux said following the burglary he was filled with mixed emotions.
“The staff and the committee of this welfare have put in a lot of work fund-raising to get the branch where it is.
“It is very traumatising to see the aftermath and destruction left by the suspects, but the response from the community has given me hope.”
Learn how you can help the welfare by phoning 011 452 5940/1 or emailing administrator@edenvalechildwelfare.co.za
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