Abandoned babies have new champions
El-Shammah Home for Abandoned Babies and Place of Safety appeals to the community for much-needed funds.
Allistair and Merencia Scholtz have taken over the management of El-Shammah Home for Abandoned Babies and Place of Safety.
The take-over was effective as of September 1.
The home was previously managed by the founders, Frikkie and Bertha Spies, since it was established seven years ago, in 2009.
“We are informing people that we are the new managers, but it is not to say that Frikkie and Bertha are no longer in the picture,” said Allistair.
Due to other commitments, Frikkie and Bertha decided to step down and hand-over management.
“Frikkie and Bertha have ministries at the church, El-Shammah Ministries International, in Primrose, and so the home has become a lot for them to handle, which is why they needed a new managing couple,” said Merencia.
“We were appointed by the home’s board to take over.”
“The home is very hands-on, as you need to go to court, hospital and doctor’s appointments, among other things, on a weekly basis, and they realised that they had to pass on the baton to another couple, who will devote their time to the running of the home,” said Allistair.
“We are very happy to be here, it is a dream come true.
“My former job was not as rewarding as this; I have always loved children.”
Merencia agreed with Allistair.
“This is a passion for me, I feel as though I am living my purpose,” she said.
“I am very blessed to wake up and to take care of the children.”
Allistair told the GCN that the home is in desperate need of funds.
“The property the home occupies is for sale and the organisation needs to raise funds to purchase it,” he explained.
“The organisation has been given first priority to purchase the house, but we don’t have the R850 000 needed.
“We appeal to the community; individuals and companies alike to help us raise funds to save the house.
“The organisation has until January 31 to raise the funds.”
Allistair added that funds are needed for the day-to-day running of the home.
“We have to beef up our security because, among other things, the motor gate isn’t working and the chairs that were on our patio were stolen,” he said.
“We also need nappies and milk formula for the babies – and that is not everything we need on a daily basis.
“We really want to save the home and we hope that the help we need materialises.”
For more information, or to make a donation, contact Merencia on 011 873-0610 or 074 942 1297, or send an email to el-shammah@telkomsa.net.
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