Hail destroys Little Eden crops

Between the festive atmosphere at Little Eden’s Elvira Rota Village, during the preparations for the recent annual Christmas concert, the Village experienced one of its most severe hailstorms in years.

The hail caused major destruction to the society’s sugar beans, mielies and pecan nut crops.

Apart from significant financial loss, Little Eden also lost some birds during the storm when the roof of the enclosure, which housed various budgies, cockatiels and finches, was blown off.

This was particularly sad for the children, as they enjoyed the bird life at the village as part of their therapy and Care and Stimulation Programme.

Since 2005, approximately 80 bird and insect species have been spotted at the wetlands.

Little Eden previously received more than R300 000 per annum from the sale of the pecan nuts, mielies and sugar bean crops.

This will, unfortunately, not be the case next year and the lost income will now have to be secured from alternative sources.

One such source is that of the second hand shop.

Residents can take unwanted clothes and other goods in reasonable condition to the Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home in Edenvale, or to the Little Eden shop situated on the corner of Third Street and Eighth Avenue, Edenvale.

The Little Eden family of 300 includes 230 residents who were previously abandoned, or who do not receive financial or other support from families.

Every contribution directly impacts on the care of the children and adults with profound intellectual disability.

Residents who wish to make a financial contribution to Little Eden in support of the recent destruction can visit www.littleeden.org.za or contact Nichollette Muthige on 011 609-7246.