Half a million raised in telethon fundraiser
Childline KZN will use the funds to assist abused children.
THE Childline KZN annual Telethon fundraising initiative received a total of R 526 978 in pledges through it self-funded organisation with much-needed revenue to sustain its operations.
Local benefactors committed their time to call on their network of contacts to secure donations for the children’s
organisation during a two-day event,
According to Childline KZN director, Nomvuyo Shabangu, the organisation, which assists thousands of vulnerable and abused children, requires at least R 8,4-million each year to manage its operations.
“As a non-profit organisation, funding plays a significant role in Childline KZN’s ability to perform its duties. We have received generous funding from our donors over the years and the response to the telethon has been no different.
“Since the Telethon further pledges have continued to stream in, we would like to thank those who so generously heeded the call to support this cause by either committing their time or contributing financially,” said Shabangu.
Local comedian and Childline KZN brand ambassador, Carvin Goldstone lent his support by encouraging other popular comedians to volunteer their time during the Telethon.
Goldstone said the protection of children is a shared responsibility and stressed the importance of society being proactive in the fight against child abuse.
Fellow Childline KZN brand ambassador, Iman Mia said her association with the organisation and participation in the Telethon allows her to give back to the community.
“I support all that Childline KZN stands for and believe that it is an extremely worthy cause,” said Mia.
The provincial organisation employs 16 qualified social workers, who render psycho-social therapeutic
services to children who have been abused.
Further services include a provision of the 24-hour crisis toll-free helpline as well as prevention and outreach programmes, which are offered at local schools, to educate children, parents, educators and communities about child abuse.
The organisation receives more than 20 000 calls and 500 reports of abuse per month through its Crisis Line and
plans to extend its services by providing face-to-face counselling to victims located in deep rural communities.
Pledges to Childline KZN can still be made by contacting Sunitha Latiff on 031 312 0904 or email finance1@childlinekzn.org.za
