ST MARY’S Children’s Home celebrated its last cottage renovation on August 16 when St John’s was declared “open” by Sonja Harmse, director of the home.
“This is indeed an exciting day for us and we thank MFC (Motor Finance Corporation, Division of Nedbank) for its absolute generosity in making our home, a ‘real’ home. This brings the total of cottages which MFC has undertaken to refurbish to five. They are St Anne’s, Cynthia Green, Keith Davies, St Francis and latterly St John’s. Today as I stand here proudly with Heinie Klee (head of corporate social investment at MFC) I can say my wishes have been granted,” said Harmse.
“This is the last cottage Heinie will be involved in as he is retiring at the end of this year. You have made us feel so special Heine and it’s been such an absolute pleasure working with you. Thereafter we hope we can continue working with MFC for many more years to come,” added Harmse.
“Thank you also to Elvie Moreira from FNB Selby Volunteers for all your assistance. We appreciate all you’ve done and still do for us,” Harmse said.
Read: The real story of St Mary’s Children’s Home
Harmse thanked the contractors who were fantastic in getting everything done to her standards. “I know at times I must have been a nuisance, but nothing is too good for ‘my’ children. To my catering team, headed by Louise, thank you, this delicious spread looks fit for a king.”
Chairman of St Mary’s Children’s Home, Adv Manaka, said a few words. “Thank you, MFC and Nedbank. Our children can be proud to live in this home and with your help and assistance they wake up in a home and come from a home. Our children are part of a community out there and know their home is their sanctuary.”
Heinie and his members of staff walked around St John’s and said how wonderful it looks. “Stunning, is the one word which sums it all up,” said Heinie.
Also Read: St Mary’s cottage revamped by MFC
As the children were called into St John’s to see their ‘new’ home, squeals of joy could be heard from them and their faces lit up when they saw their bedrooms. “We can’t wait to sleep in our new beds. They are so beautiful,” they said.
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