Merrow Down Charity group donates R20 000 to the Teddy Bear Foundation
MAGALIESSIG – Retired women from the Merrow Down Charity Group donated R20 000 to the Teddy Bear Foundation which supports abused children.
A group of hard-working retired women from the Merrow Down Country Club in Magaliessig are working together to support local charities.
On 20 June these women, who form the Merrow Down Charity Group, donated R20 000 to the Teddy Bear Foundation at a festive handover.
The women fundraised throughout the year to bring together the worthwhile donation for the foundation which works to assist in the recovery of abused children.
Merrow Down Charity Group convenor Helen Tindall said that this was the group’s second charity handover for the year, following an R18 000 donation to the Animal Anti-Cruelty League at Easter.
Tindall said that she and the team of 30 women meet once a month to crochet, knit and fellowship together at the country club.
“I have never asked anyone to do what I wouldn’t do twice myself. My role is to motivate the ladies to see the good in contributing and enjoy the social aspect too,” said Tindall. The funds were raised through the selling of plants, baked goods, knitted goods and raffles at sales during the year.
“The Teddy Bear Foundation caught my eye when I got to know Dalene Bishop [donor liaison officer at the Teddy Bear Foundation] and the wonderful work that she does. I know that all the children who benefit from the foundation are well-cared for and my money will be used well.”
Tindall added that the women who form part of the group derive much pleasure from being able to help others in their community. “Seeing the end result is worth all the work.”
Bishop explained that the foundation based in Parktown works primarily to support victims of abuse by offering medico-legal examinations, forensic assessments, psychological assessments, therapeutic counselling as well as court preparation and support.
After handing over the funds, Bishop invited co-ordinator of Top Dogs, Dr Conor Hughes to address the members of the charity group and their friends in attendance.
Top Dogs is a voluntary organisation of dogs and their handlers who work with the Teddy Bear Foundation to provide therapy for the victims of abuse.
“Children learn to trust a dog and redevelop trust in humans through the therapy. Dogs don’t demand anything from the children and children learn to love the dogs,” explained Hughes.
The Merrow Down Charity Group hopes to continue to support the foundation in future.
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