Today (November 3) is National Children’s Day.
Benoni’s foremost children’s welfare organisation, Benoni Child Welfare, which dates back to 1924, marks this day with mixed emotions.
Director Elsie Labuschagne said that while they have a lot to be grateful for, the current economic climate has definitely impacted not only their critical services, but also the support they so rely on from the public.
“Along with our financial support from government sources dwindling, donations from the public have also decreased,” she said.
“I believe this has a lot to do with the amount of charities and NPOs in our area, and we do understand that people have their preferences
when it comes to supporting charities.
“Of course we are grateful to our regular donors and sponsors; their support is invaluable and much appreciated.”
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In addition to a drop in donations, a tough economic environment fuels social ills, many consequences of which end up on the organisation’s doorstep.
“We’ve seen an increased need for help from families and our foster parents with food parcels and clothing, bills and rent – with which we do not always have the means to help,” said Labuschagne.
“On the other hand, families and children are facing increased pressures within the family unit.
“There has been a definite increase in physical and sexual abuse cases and we receive a lot of referrals from the court regarding parents fighting with each other over children and accusing each other of horrific things when they split up.
“Drug and alcohol abuse in parents is also a leading factor in many of the cases we deal with.”
She added that drug abuse among learners and behavioural problems in schools are rife.
The organisation receives funding from the Department of Social Development but the majority of money comes from fund-raising initiatives, donations and the charity shop they run on the premises in Third Street, Northmead.
“Benoni Child Welfare receives up to 30 new cases a month,” Labuschagne said.
“Our most pressing needs are always groceries and clothing, and secondhand items we can sell in our charity shop.
“The need out there has definitely increased, so any help from the public is always welcomed with open arms.”
There are several more ways to assist Benoni Child Welfare, one of the leading custodians of child welfare in our community.
For more information, contact the office on 011 849 5241 or email Labuschagne at benonicwsd@lantic.net
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