Show support for Upper Highway baby home
On Saturday, March 5, the home is having an open day and everyone is invited to visit, meet the children and experience what the home does.
A GROUP of friends hosted a high tea at House of Love and Hope (HOLAH) baby home and special needs home in Crestholme on Sunday, February 20.
The baby home, which was initially located in Northdene, moved to new bigger premises in the Upper Highway in October 2020.
The home was started by Kim Brown together with her partner, Leanne Lorrance after noticing the need to provide abandoned children with a safe and happy place until they can be placed with adoptive families.
ALSO READ: Holah baby home moves to new premises in Crestholme
The babies have either been abandoned, orphaned, given up for adoption or removed from their parents’ care. The home also care for children with special needs.
One of the high tea organisers, Karyn Smith said she was passionate about special needs children and au paired a gorgeous down syndrome child for a few years when she lived in Johannesburg.
“Her name was Hayley but more affectionately known to us as Birdie. Birdie was my everything and we still chat and I see her as often as possible. Birdie was loved by my own two children very much and stood at the aisle at my wedding in 2019 alongside my girls as my bridesmaid,” said Smith.
She said she was introduced to Holah by a Debbie Kuys Pinnick.
“I met Debbie at my doctor’s rooms. She is the nurse there and we became best friends through our love for helping people. Debs had a cerebral palsy son of her own who sadly passed away and so hence the HOLAH baby home is close to her heart,” she said.
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After her visit, Smith and Pinnick decided they wanted to treat the caregivers who work tirelessly to look after the children.
“We both know it’s not an easy job and these women live, sleep and breath these children, often leaving their own kids to be cared for by someone else. Today is to honour them,” she said.
“My husband, Rhett is just as passionate about helping people in our community and was overjoyed to be able to help on his weekend off,” Smith added.
On the day, children and caregivers were spoiled with delicious eats and treated with gifts.
The home has nine caregivers and one handyman. They are always in need of volunteers.
Open your heart for the little ones
On Saturday, March 5 HOLAH will host an open day. Founder, Kim Brown said all are welcome to see the children and see how the organisation is run.
We currently have 13 children in our care, we appeal for people to support us on the day,” she said.
The open day will also be a fun day as there will be exciting activities for the children. Visit the home from 10;00 to 14:00, situated at 10 Ridgemont Road, Crestholme.
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