World Orphans Day
JOHANNESBURG – Once a year, a special day is dedicated to the millions of children who are orphaned around the world.
Today is World Orphans Day and here’s how you can make a difference.
Did you know that the first people to care for orphaned children were the Romans? It’s reported that they opened the first orphanage in history around 400 AD. However, long before that, Jewish and Athenian law required that orphans be supported until the age of 18.
There’s quite a bit that you can do to help out these children.
You can volunteer to spend your spare time at a local orphanage. Spend your weekends or afternoons playing with the smaller children, taking care of the babies and, if possible, offer to help out on the teaching side of things.
If you’re unable to volunteer your time, gather your community and collect donations like toiletries, toys, clothes, learning supplies and food that can be taken to orphanages near you. Caxton Joburg North often donates the food we don’t use at functions to our local adoption home, Princess Alice in Westcliff.
Keep an eye on any events that are hosted by local orphanages, as this is a great way to help out. Many of them have quite a few events throughout the month in order to raise funds for their facilities. Grab a group of friends and spend an evening watching a comedy show or cleaning up a building in the name of charity.
If all else fails, you have the option of sponsoring a child or donating money. Sponsoring a child entails donating a set fee every month to cover the living expenses of that particular child.
Sadly, more and more children are orphaned every day due to illnesses like cancer, HIV/Aids and circumstances such as poverty and famine.
You may not be able to save them all personally, but you have no idea how your small donation can make a world of difference.
Help these local orphanages:
www.stmaryschildrenshome.org.za
