Nyeleti Children’s Home needs your help
Edenvale's Sipho Marima started a campaign to bring warmth to Nyeleti Children's Home.
“Every individual has a role to play in raising a child, whether they are biologically yours or not.”
These were Sipho Marima’s words on June 29 after he started a campaign to bring warmth to Nyeleti Children’s Home.
The athlete and Edenglen Virgin Active manager said one visit to the home was enough to know he needed to help.
“I heard about the home from a friend of mine who resides in Benoni.
“When I got there, the children were very happy and the majority of them expressed how they are struggling with this winter weather.”
The Edenglen athlete said his goal was to help the children’s home as much as he could.
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“Their living conditions broke my heart and if I could help improve that then I will be very happy.
“I don’t mind putting myself in uncomfortable situations where I plead with people to help for the sake of others’ comfort. “
Sipho used his social media to plead for blankets, winter clothes and shoes for children between the age of one and 17.
He said he will also pick up donations from people in Benoni, Edenvale, Edenglen, Lyndhurst, Thembisa, Boksburg and surrounding areas who are willing to help.
“They can contact me, I will go to them.”
Sipho added they plan to deliver the blankets and clothes on July 6.
“The children were feeling cold; we need to get them warm things as soon as possible.
“All we are asking for is a blanket or clothes.”
Rainbows and Smiles Foundation responded to Sipho’s call and gave away teddy bears, books, and arts and crafts material.
The home manager, Mari Erasmus, said Sipho and his wife, Boipelo Marima, are caring and passionate people.
She added the home is in need of funds for their electricity, gas, food as well as transport for children going to school.
“The children use public transport to and from schools,” said Mari.
Sipho explained the home takes care of 29 children. Fourteen are orphans and the rest stay at the home and sometimes visit their destitute single parents.
“The home is doing their best to get children off the streets, especially orphans living on the streets and offer them a home, a meal and guidance regarding education and basic life skills.
“If only 50 people can take it upon themselves to help, imagine the difference it would make.”
In the wake of a lot of violence towards women and children, Sipho shared a message with the community.
He said parents need to teach chilldren the importance of standing their ground and not accepting things from strangers.
“Our responsibility as adults is not to harm but to love and protect these children.
“Community members need to always be on the lookout for strange people walking around their neighbourhood and guide children to avoid them.”
To donate to the cause, contact Sipho at sipho_marima on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or call 071 443 1545.
