Childline raises funds to assist abused children

CHILDLINE KZN received a R526 978 in pledges through its recent 4th annual Telethon fundraising initiative, providing the self-funded organisation with much-needed revenue to sustain its operations.

During the two-day event, local benefactors committed their time to call on their network of contacts to secure donations for the children’s organisation.

The novel initiative invited participants to the Childline KZN offices to meet the team at the centre of its operations, affording them a better understanding of the organisation and its work before raising funds on its behalf.

According to Childline KZN Director, Nomvuyo Shabangu, the organisation, which assists thousands of vulnerable and abused children, requires at least R8,4 million each year to manage its operations.

“As a non-profit organisation, funding plays a significant role in Childline KZN’s ability to perform its mandate. We have received generous funding from our donors over the years and the response to the telethon has been no different,” said Shabangu.

Local comedian and Childline KZN brand ambassador, Carvin Goldstone lent his support by encouraging other popular comedians to volunteer their time during the Telethon. Goldstone said the protection of children is a shared responsibility and stressed the importance of society being proactive in the fight against child abuse.

The provincial organisation employs 16 qualified social workers, who render psycho-social therapeutic services to children who have been abused.

Further services include a provision of the 24-hour crisis toll-free helpline as well as prevention and outreach programmes, which are offered at local schools, to educate children, parents, educators and communities about child abuse.

The organisation receives more than 20 000 calls and 500 reports of abuse per month through its Crisis Line and plans to extend its services by providing face-to-face counselling to victims located in deep rural communities.