NPO inspired to open safe house for abandoned children

In response to an increase in the number of abandoned children in our communities, Pastor Garry and Carol Foster of Goodlife Family Church established an NPO that would serve as an emergency place of safety for such children.

An inspiration from Matthew 25:40 in the Bible gave birth to the name of the NPO, The Matthew 25 Project.

Based in Rynfield Agricultural Holdings, the organisation has been running its services since 2018.

They started with a feeding scheme targeting disadvantaged learners in Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School, Daveyton. They also offer programmes that enhances the lives of children.

In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project distributed food parcels and animal food to hundreds of families in Benoni. According to Garry, they decided to extend their services and open a safe house because they saw a need.

“We felt we needed to step in and try to help wherever we could. What we are doing is a calling because, as Christians, we are called to look after orphans and widows,” he explained.

Carol said each child that comes through their doors they treat as their own, therefore, as a member of their family.

“Some of the children suffer from various kinds of trauma induced psychological issues. One of the children at first didn’t want to sleep because she thought she will be separated from us. For the first few weeks, I didn’t leave home.

“Another child didn’t want to bathe in warm water because she was used to bathing in cold water. We try to always be present for the children. To give them a sense of security, we ensure they see us throughout the day,” said Carol.

The safe house provides love, a proper structure and a safe environment for the children, the couple said.

“Not everyone can foster children but they can get involved with the project by donating nappies and formula or by supporting the work that we do financially. We believe it does indeed take a village to raise a child,” said Garry.

They are grateful that, since they started operating, the Benoni community has been a pillar of strength.

“The community has been amazing. We receive funds solely from our church members and generous members of the community. When we ask for something on social media they respond in numbers. We are so grateful,” Carol said.

Expenses

Things are not easy at the moment, and Garry and Carol are having to dig deep into their own pockets to keep things afloat at the place of safety. According to fundraising manager, Chantell van der Merwe, they are in need of funding to cover day-to-day expenses including food, caregiver’s salaries and utility bills.

“We also need a vehicle to transport the children. We run various fundraising initiatives, including the Adopt-a-Cot in support of abandoned babies and an R100 per month donation. This amount goes a long way in feeding our children and covering operational expenses,” said Van der Merwe.

To find out more about how you can help The Matthew 25 Project, contact Chantell on 082 572 6672/ email chantel@m25. co.za or Carol on 083 327 6415.

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