Angels Baby Sanctuary makes a decade
In the 10 years the organisation has existed, it has accomplished many goals and continues its mission to save and care for abandoned babies.
Angels Baby Sanctuary in the south of Johannesburg is a home for abandoned babies, and it turns 10 this year.
Their goal has always been to give abandoned babies love and compassion and meet their physical, emotional and psychological needs until they are adopted or reunited with their families.
The organisation opened its doors in March 2014, when it took in Thando, its first baby girl. This year, Thando celebrated her 10th birthday.
The start of baby-saving
“As I reflected on my life when I turned 50, I knew there was still time to do something meaningful with it. So, I decided to leave the corporate world and follow my passion for bringing hope to abandoned babies. Having volunteered at children’s homes in SA and abroad, I knew that providing a safe home for abandoned babies was where I could make a difference,” said Anne Ebrahim, the founder and chairperson of Angels Baby Sanctuary.
“We faced many challenges when opening the baby sanctuary but were steadfast in overcoming them, and finally opened in March 2014. In March 2014, we welcomed Thando, our first baby girl. No matter how daunting it was at first, I knew we could change this girl’s life. Every hardship we face will be worthwhile,” said Ebrahim.
The organisation started with a small two-bedroom house in Rosettenville, where they cared for six babies. In 2019, they started a Buy A Brick Campaign to move into a larger place to take on more babies, and in 2020, they bought a bigger place where they are currently located – 273 Johannesburg Road, La Rochelle – and can keep and care for 12 babies. The organisation has 11 full-time staff members and two casual workers.
“Angels Baby Sanctuary is dedicated to the welfare of abandoned, orphaned, sickly or abused babies in our care. Love and care are our top priorities for these babies, and our partners and donors enable us to provide medical and educational care,” highlighted Ebrahim.
Angels Baby Sanctuary encourages its staff and volunteers to adopt a holistic approach to making their babies feel safe and loved in a homely environment.
Milestones
The sanctuary has achieved many milestones in its 10 years, and the founder reflects on some of them, saying, “The biggest milestone was moving into our new building within one year to take on more babies. Additionally, we established an early childhood development (ECD) centre for our babies where they can spend the day learning because we understand the importance of educational stimulation in young children.”
In partnership with the appropriate authorities, the sanctuary makes every effort to place babies in loving homes and ensure the children reunite with their families in a safe place. Another milestone was the installation of the Box of Hope on the property. The baby box provides a place where babies can be left in a clean, safe environment.
Overcoming challenges
One of Ebrahim’s many challenges was registering the organisation with The International Child and Youth Care Network (CYC-Net).
“It took me seven years to get the organisation registered, and I never gave up until I achieved it,” said Ebrahim.
Funding is a challenge for the home, but the founder emphasised how blessed they have been.
“The community and businesses support has played a huge role in helping meet the needs of our babies.”
The sanctuary’s future
Angels Baby Sanctuary will continue to change the fate of the many abandoned children it finds under its care with a competent board, hard-working and caring staff, and the generosity of its partners, donors and community.
To help the sanctuary continue its mission, they rely on the community’s generosity to donate essential items. Your support helps provide the babies with the love and care they deserve.
To volunteer, donate or for more information, contact 011 045 6401, 081 049 6228 or anne@angelsbaby.org
