Summerveld couple lend their support to abandoned baby crisis
The couple believes that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with a family that not only loves them, but believes in them and allows them to be the future hero they are born to be.
SUMMERVELD residents, Gary and Kerry Stanton opened up their home last year to help abandoned children.
The Upper Highway Baby Home (UHBH) founders said for many years they had always been interested in supporting vulnerable children, especially babies.
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The couple who have three children of their own currently house eight babies while searching for the the right families to adopt the babies some of whom were born prematurely.
“There is a huge demand for such services and if we could provide a home for 30 children, we would.
“We became aware of the crisis of abandoned babies in South Africa and babies requiring foster care while they are awaiting adoption. The government facilities for these purposes are over-subscribed,” said Gary.
Kerry said after adopting their third child 12 years ago, they saw the difference it made, “It is so important for a child to have a stable family.”
“As business people, we were very much involved in our jobs up until my husband retired. The first two or three years are very important in a baby’s life so if they are not adopted while they are still tiny it causes problems,” she said.
Currently, the baby home is involved with 34 pregnant and young mothers who have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Most of them are domestic workers who are now left with newborns and no income. They cannot claim UIF as their employers did not register them the labour department,” said Kerry.
She said their goal is to try and close this gap and make the situation easy for these moms.
“We are supplying them with food and supplies to last them six months, at least that will assist them get back on their feet,” said Kerry.
By doing this, the Stantons said they hope that this will prevent people from abandoning their babies.
The family is always in need of supplies such as bread, Oros, Flora margarine, Pampers active nappies size 3,4 and 5, wet wipes, baby cereal and baby purity food.
Residents who wish to support the home’s project can contact Kerry on 082 823 1844.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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