Child Welfare South Africa – Edenvale held nominations for a new committee on September 19.
The 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was chaired by ward councillor and outgoing chairperson, Clr Heather Hart.
Clr Hart, in presenting her final report as chairperson, said the year under review has seen a continuation of the same trials and tribulations of each of the years she has served as the chairperson of Edenvale Child Welfare.
“We remain underfunded and the absence of regular funding from the Lotto and our inability to gain the interest of significant corporate funding, has meant that we are limited in what we can offer to our communities, no matter how great the need,” said Clr Hart.
“Writing what will be my last chairperson’s report, it struck me just how little we can really do about the plight of so many children in our country. However, this year we have raised the bar in our fight against under-funding. We had a powerful petition delivered to Parliament to demand funding to organisations like ours to be increased,” said Clr Hart.
Clr Hart said on the positive side, they were able to see the return of stability to the Pinocchio Edu Care Centre and a more settled and committed staff component under the leadership of the late Ms Cheralle Beddar, the much-loved principal.
She said the organisation has a lot to be proud of.
“We have continued to offer an exemplary service to our community, often against great odds under the leadership and guidance of senior social worker Ms Celeste Thies. We have made a difference, we have helped children and families and while doing so we have kept the lights on and the doors open by the grace of God and the staff, volunteers and donors who support the organisation,” she said.
She thanked each and every committee member who has been part of, and contributed to, the organisation over the past year.
“It is with mixed emotions that I step down. Whoever takes my place, I assure him or her that I will remain on the committee to assist where I can,” said Clr Hart.
