Orphan Fund operations remain resilient
The Orphan Fund's purpose is to channel money raised to local NGOs that specialise in caring for orphans and vulnerable children in the distribution area of The North Coast Courier.
Even in tough times The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund continues to meet the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children.
Addressing the fund’s recent annual general meeting, chairman Pieter Naudé said they have seen a tightening of donors and sponsors alike.
“At the same time, you have an ever-increasing need for assistance as more and more vulnerable children and caregivers struggle to meet even the most basic of needs,” he said.
Despite an 8% decrease in donations and 6% decrease in fundraising income, more than R700 000 was nevertheless raised and distributed through the iLembe district in the last financial year – the second highest annual amount in the fund’s history.
The Orphan Fund’s purpose is to channel money raised to local NGOs that specialise in caring for orphans and vulnerable children in the distribution area of The North Coast Courier.
“To meet the increased demand, the Orphan Fund substantially increased its allocation to beneficiaries by around R100 000. This was achieved by dipping into reserves and through the reallocation of funds from the reduced number of students currently on the bursary scheme,” said Naudé.
Through committed community support, the fund has to date raised and distributed almost R8-million in cash since its inception 20 years ago.
Heavily supported by Boxer Meat Factory, it further collected and distributed more than R100 000 worth of food donations over the past year.
“We live in a community where unsung heroes are all around us. There are so many people who go about the business of helping others without any fanfare. The Orphan Fund would not be able to function without all of them,” said Naudé.
Anonymous donations again continued to make up the bulk of donations received, totalling R176 989.
The remaining donations received totalled R246 393, with special thanks extended to donors Dordet Family Trust, Collisheen Estate, Hollywood Foundation, Ballito Lions, Zimbali Rotary, Balwin Foundation, Summerhill House, Christmas Fair Fund and Ashton International College Ballito.
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