Westville care team step up for abandoned babies
The team said their goal is to assist the Westville baby home on a monthly basis and other baby homes in the Highway area.
IN less than 36 hours after posting a plea for the The Baby House Westville, a resident, Naadia Sheik-Hameed said she was overwhelmed with the generous donation from the public.
The NPO is a safe house for abandoned babies and is home to a maximum of six babies who are placed in their care by social workers, usually shortly after birth.
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As a preschool owner and a mother to three young children, Sheik-Hameed said she fully understands the challenges faced by caregivers.
“With my husband being absent most often during the week because of work, I can fully empathise with those who care for these children.
“It is a journey of a lifetime and a full time commitment. As a primary caregiver with growing demands both physically, mentally, emotionally are a challenge in itself,” said Sheik-Hameed.
She said it bothered her that the baby home struggles financially.
“The absence of a parent in the lives of these precious little people is also another challenge. If I can help fill their lives with happiness and make the task of these baby houses easier with the help of the community, then this is exactly what we will do for them as Tiny Steps Care Team.”
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Sheik-Hameed said their goal is to assist on a monthly basis and to make that a success, they need help from the public.
She thanked everyone who donated, “Just three days before the big drop, we had just two bags of diapers and two tins of milk formula. Yet in less than 36 hours of social media pleas, we managed to collect more than 600 disposable diapers, nine cans of milk formula and 14 types of cereal and more.
“We also managed to buy many other items which included fruit and vegetables and toiletries.”
Tons of pre-loved clothing ranging from growers to tutus, many warm blankets for winter, toys for stimulation, play mats and a vintage rocking chair were also donated
Sheik-Hameed said upon visiting the baby home in Westville, they learned that there are at least five others in Durban, three of which are located in the Upper Highway area.
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“Our wish is to be able to help all of them and in order for us to keep to our commitment we desperately make a plea to the community to help donate generously and open their hearts to us as we help make a difference to each of these institutions that care for these abandoned babies,” she said.
Contact 061 125 0887 or 083 247 1423.
Alternatively, email thebabyhousewestville@gmail.com.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
