The Rotary Club of Benoni is calling for donations of toys and teddy bears or any other soft toys from the public.
Benoni Regional Court magistrate Ian Cox said these toys will serve to comfort sexually abused children in the waiting room at the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.
Children wait in this room before they have to testify in court.
“Some of these children are traumatised, so when they get to hold a teddy bear they feel safe and secure,” said Cox.
About 100 child abuse cases yearly are heard at the Benoni Court.
The club will need more than 100 teddy bears.
Past district governor Annie Steijn, member of the Benoni Rotary Club said the club would also appreciate non-perishable food donations, as some the children spend almost the whole day in court and they need something to eat.
“Some of them only get a meal at school and they have nothing to eat at home,” said Steijn.
“This initiative is an ongoing project for the Benoni Rotary Club called ‘Be Court Wise’.”
Steijn also said some of these soft toys will be distributed to the children who have to spend Christmas at the Tambo Memorial Hospital.
She is encouraging members of the public who would like to make a difference in the community to contact her or Adele.
The club has already repainted the walls in two intermediary rooms and the waiting room.
They have also provided a television, DVD-player, installed carpets and donated tables.
Rotarians urge the public to donate soft toys, educational toys and books with which the children can play, as well as DVDs.
Donations can be dropped off at AS Steijn Attorneys, at 64 Fourth Avenue, Northmead.
For more information or to get involved contact Annie Steijn on 082 550 0806 or Adele 084 553 0983.
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