Difficult times for St Mary’s Children’s Home

Lockdown has been a difficult time for St Mary’s Children’s Home, leaving them in a financial tight spot.

Not only did they have to deal with the extraordinary illnesses of the Covid-19 pandemic during winter, but had to provide for the normal day-to-day needs of the children.

“We had to make sure that the children received additional vitamins, immune boosters and more additional nutritious food during this time. This, despite no income being generated,” said Sonja Harmse, director of St Mary’s.

“Furthermore, the Department of Social Development was supposed to provide us with all the necessities like masks and sanitisers but this was only received later on (towards the end of Level 4) during lockdown. We had no option but to buy all we needed and that has put us under tremendous financial strain.

“During Levels 4 and 5, we did not allow any visitors into the home, as a prevention strategy. We have only opened our doors, selectively, during Level 3 again. We have definitely felt the consequences of lockdown as we have not received donations-in-kind anymore and have had all the children 100 per cent of the time, at home.”

Sonja said they are hoping to get more supplies in the form of medication and food because they simply can’t cope and afford to purchase it again.

“We are just hoping for government and companies to reach out to us in our time of need. Any help we can get to keep our home, which has been running for 117 years, will be truly appreciated,” she said.

Sonja continued and said that St Mary’s has at least received some help from church groups, individuals, one corporate and a foundation.

“Churches have provided groceries and a foundation have also donated food. For this we are forever grateful,” she said.

“We could not come this far, without. However, we have to get food in again to enable us to continue. “Businesses which usually supported us are also taking strain and verbalised that social responsibility is not their priority at this stage. Even though we understand and empathise with their predicament, this does not change the fact that we need to cover our operational expenses monthly.

“We can’t leave the children without their Home. We are trying our utmost to continue and deliver our same standard of care. But it is becoming more of a challenge daily,” she said.

St Mary’s is a registered home for 60 children, but at the moment they looking after 53. “We are trying to scale down because of our financial constraints. That for me is sad as the need for homes like ours becomes more daily,” Sonja said.

Should you be able to assist in any way, please contact St Mary’s Children’s Home at 011 435 3820 and speak to Louisa, Hilario or Sonja.