Community support drives Bloom school’s vision for growth
Fundraiser puts special needs school's expansion plans on front foot.
A groundswell of community support continues to lift Bloom Special Needs School and Therapy Centre to new heights.
The centre hosted its annual golf day and fundraising dinner at Simbithi Country Club last week, witnessing a downpour of generosity during an auction.
“It was staggering to see the community open their wallets and bless our school,” said director Nicky Stirton, who shared their dream of building a school hall, workshop and opening a coffee shop and assisted living facility at the school premise in Umhlali, with the 160 dinner guests.
“The coffee shop we hope to see up by next year. The amount we need to raise is big but I know God will provide.”
The heart behind the coffee shop is to give Bloom pupils a space to sell their wares, and once they are of age, a safe place to find meaningful employment.
The school is already baking bread and selling flowers and vegetables weekly.
Stirton encouraged guests to visit the school ‘shop’ and purchase flowers on a Tuesday, bread on a Wednesday and lettuce and herbs on a Thursday. You can join the Whatsapp group to place your orders.
The money raised last week will go towards the school’s monthly shortfall and marks the beginning in seeing these dreams realised.
Bloom was started 10 years ago with four pupils and has grown to 48 pupils and a large team of staff.
“We would never have been able to start this special school anywhere else but here because it is the Ballito community who have rallied behind us and our families, making this school possible.”
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