#MandelaDay: Childline Gauteng in need of big and small donations

Childline Gauteng has been privileged to serve vulnerable communities in all its programmes throughout the past financial year and amid Covid19.

• The Help Line answered 246 231 calls

• 7 133 counselling services were provided to 1 657 children and families

• 81 children were placed in emergency care in the Sunlight Safe House and 90 foster children

• 3 706 youth served in the Childline Tshwane NACOSA and Telkom Foundation projects

• 19 training sessions reached 175 staff and youth in the development programme.

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Director Lynne Cawood said during the pandemic, the 55% increase in calls to the Help Line, when compared to the same period last year, confirms the great need for their responsive service, which includes psycho-social support, information dissemination regarding Covid-19, the alleviation of hunger and poverty, protection services for children and women and caring response to children’s fears during this disaster.

“The role of the donor and the not for profit sector play an integral part in addressing the serious challenges South Africa is facing today,” said Cawood.

“Through responsive investment into the communities that we serve, we trust that we will collectively overcome this traumatic time and a new South Africa will emerge from the lessons learned during Covid-19; lessons such as compassion, equality, dignity, a reduction of gross economic inequality, increased services and support for vulnerable people, a restoration of pride in our country and people working together to build a great nation demonstrating our African humanity.”

How you can help

• Financial donations: Donate via www.payfast.co.za or by means of EFT: Bank account is Childline Gauteng, First National Bank, Parktown branch with code 250 455, account number is 503 900 338 23 (cheque).

• Donations of goods in kind is one way to donate to assist Childline Gauteng and it will convert to a cost-saving against its budget.
2021/2022 wish list:

• Non-perishable food items

• Play therapy and child development equipment

• Stationery

• Marketing (branded gazebo, banners, flags, T-shirts, signage)

• Toiletries

• Clothing (all ages, new socks for boys and girls aged three to 25, new underwear for boys and girls aged three to 25, school uniforms and school shoes)

• Cleaning materials

• Renovation requirements (contact them for more information)

• Volunteers (various positions)

• Vehicle (seven to eight-seater).

There are other needs, including 55 conference room chairs, air conditioners and four houses for their community-based sites in Soweto, Sebokeng, Thembisa and Katlehong.

Contact Childline Gauteng on 011 645 2000, fax 011 645 2020 or go to www.childlinegauteng.co.za for more information about its services and how you can get involved.

The toll-free Help Line number is 08000 55 555.

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