ANOTHER cottage at St Mary’s Children’s Home was handed over to Sonja Harmse (director of the home) on March 1, by staff from MFC (Motor Finance Corporation, Division of Nedbank).
This brings the total of cottages which MFC has undertaken to refurbish to four (St Anne’s, Cynthia Green, Keith Davies and latterly St Francis). MFC was also responsible for the revamping of the medical quarters, new carports and supplying the jungle gym for the gardens.
Heinie Klee (Head of Corporate Social Investment at MFC) welcomed the guests to the official handover of the newly revamped cottage, St Francis, and said there is one more to revamp later this year – St Margaret’s. “Sonja and her team are doing a stunning job here at St Mary’s and all the children are dear to us. It’s been an absolute pleasure helping the home and making the children’s lives more comfortable and we hope to carry on assisting here.”
Receiving the cottage on behalf of St Mary’s, Sonja said, “Heinie is so humble about helping St Mary’s. Thanks to MFC for making this a home and not an institution. Years ago, before MFC came on board, the children never wanted to bring friends home because of their surroundings, but now they do. The more lovely the surroundings, the more they’ll strive to do well in life themselves. We try our very best to make it a home and to all my staff, a huge thank you. With God’s grace our children are doing very well. We have a waiting list for St Mary’s and once the next cottage is ready we’ll be able to take more children.”
She went on to say, “I’ve never met a man quite like Heinie. He knows each and every one of our children and his heart is so big. The way he interacts with us all is so special and we pray Heinie will get to stay on with MFC, as retirement looms for him. He’s so much a part of our family.”
Advocate Mancha Manaka (chairman of St Mary’s Board) added, “This is a beautiful home. Here our children know they are safe and can grow up being loved and cared for. Thank you to Sonja and the staff who keep this home running.” He ended in prayer.
Head of Risk at MFC, Charles Mavimbela, said, “I’d like to acknowledge Sonja and her team, and to all my colleagues who make projects like this happen, a huge thanks. Heinie, you have done so much for St Mary’s and I’ve so much thankfulness in my heart. As St Mary’s is a family, so is MFC. Generally banks are not known for their generosity, but through Heinie we have come to share our love for St Mary’s. He guides us and shows us the way. We have a big team behind us and we hope to continue to be part of this home for many years.”
Read:
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Tireless hard work ensures St Mary’s Home runs smoothly
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