“This is a time of great uncertainty, both globally and in our own country. Everyone is experiencing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”
These were the words of Little Eden CEO Xelda Rohrbeck who said the society has been hit hard financially.
Also read: EACCI on the Department of Small Business Development debt relief fund
“Costs have gone up with the need to provide additional hygiene products, personal protective equipment and cleaning staff.
“At the same time, our income has taken a huge dive, with the postponement of our annual fête which is a major fund-raiser.”
Rohrbeck added that the closure of their charity shop, which provides a steady revenue is another factor.
“We have also restricted external access to our homes.
“This has a direct impact on donations received. As we face this pandemic, our resilience is being tested to the limit.”
Also read: Infographic: To wear or not to wear? The Covid-19 mask quandary unpacked
“This means the society will end its current financial year in a deficit,” said Rohrbeck.
“The pressure will impact the upcoming fiscal period, in which loss of income from donations is expected to be between 30 to 50 per cent.”
Rohrbeck said to mitigate this, Little Eden has embarked on a series of decisive actions, including trimming expenses, speaking to private partners and the government to expand their funding support and requesting the community’s urgent support to help them reach the R10-million they need to keep their doors open.
“It’s a big ask, I know. But a necessary one if we are to continue providing this essential service,” said the CEO.
For more information on how to donate to the homes, go to www.littleeden.org.za
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
