Counting the costs

Ever wondered what it costs the East Rand Children’s Haven to take care of the 20 children in its care?

Wonder no more…listed below are just three very basic examples of the costs involved.

• Sandwiches

Consider that this is merely a snack for school and light supper meals, and that meat and groceries for the main meals of breakfast and lunch, and also daily beverages are not calculated here.

Bread costs R10 per loaf.

The haven uses six loaves per day, which costs R420 per week.

This is a cost of R21 840 per year.

Butter costs R25 per kg.

The haven uses 3.5kg per week, which costs R87.50 per week.

This is a cost of R4 550 per year.

Spread costs R50 per meal.

There are 14 meals per week, which costs R700.

This is a cost of R36 400 per year.

The total cost for sandwiches is R5 232.50 per month or R62 790 per year.

• Hair care.

This calculation does not include the cost of hairbrushes, combs and hair accessories required by the girls for school.

Soaps, deodorants, lotions, sanitary wear and other toiletry items are all additional expenses necessary for the children’s hygiene.

Shampoo costs R70 per litre.

The haven uses five litres per month, which costs R350.

This is a cost of R4 200 per year.

Conditioner costs R70 per litre.

The haven uses three litres per month, which costs R210.

This is a cost of R2 520 per year.

A haircut costs between R50 and R100.

The children’s hair is cut every six weeks.

This is a of R13 500 per year.

The total cost for hair care is R1 685 per month or R20 220 per year.

• Laundry

This calculation is only on laundry detergents and machine maintenance.

It excludes electricity and ironing costs.

Consider that dishwashing detergent and other household cleaners are additional costs.

Laundry detergent costs R20 per kg.

The haven uses 7kg per week, which costs R140.

This is a cost of R7 280 per year.

Fabric softener costs R10 per litre.

The haven uses seven litres per week, which costs R70.

This is a cost of R3 640 per year.

Costs to maintain, repair and service three washing machines and one tumble dryer is R250 per machine per year.

This is a cost of R1 000 per year.

The total cost for laundry is R993.50 per month or R11 920 per year.

The East Rand Children’s Haven is a residential care facility that accommodates court mandated children.

The children are placed through the judicial system, due to having been orphaned, abandoned or removed from their homes because of some form of abuse or neglect.

These children are taken in regardless of race or religion.

The children, boys and girls, range between the ages of five and 18 years old.

There are children of difference races and children who speak different languages.

At least half are mentally challenged and have special needs requirements, with some even having mild physical disabilities.

The East Rand Children’s Haven doesn’t just undertake to provide these children with basic needs such as food, housing and schooling, but also strives to provide them with the best possible care, accommodation, nutrition and education.

If you would like to get involved in assisting the East Rand Children’s Haven, or make a donation, contact the home on 011 813 2750.

The East Rand Children’s Haven is situated at 5 Muriel Brand Street, in Brenthurst.