HAVE you decided what you will be doing for your 67 minutes on Mandela Day? The Northglen News has decided to highlight some of the neediest non-profit organisations (NPO) in Durban.
Durban North volunteer, Jodie-Lee Donnison, is passionate about altruistic work involving young children. Last year she assisted The Benjamin Generation, a church-based project, that strives to provide homes for abandoned, abused and HIV and Aids-affected children.
She urged the community to support either Thandi House Baby Home (based in Pietermaritzburg) or House of Love & Hope (HOLA) home in Umbilo – a safe loving haven for abandoned/orphaned babies. The Thandi House Baby Home currently has 17 children in its care, aged between three weeks and 19.
Both organisations need milk formula, nappies and clothes.
Dimitra Nicolau, the Grace Aid co-ordinator, at Grace Family Church suggested Durban North based-organisation Key of Hope (KOH) as well as Crossroads in uMhlanga. KOH is an NPO with a mission to unlock the future of South Africa by mentoring children from over 14 informal settlements in and around Durban. Tamela Rigg, the development director said the best way for the community to assist them on 18 July would be to host a collection drive. Food items such as, potatoes, rice, sugar, salt, teabags, cereal, meat and tuna tins as well as toiletries are regularly distributed.
Crossroads, a public benefit organisation has set its sights on alleviating human suffering and restoring individuals’ dignity.Its volunteers are involved in various early childhood development projects, nutrition programs and gardening projects, said spokesman, Mahendra Singh.
“People can get involved in the daily activities at the schools. Crossroads presently is involved in providing close to 5 000 breakfast meals daily. We also have a tunnel garden project and a flower garden where people can assist,” he said.
Thandi House Baby Home: 033 347 5544
HOLA: 083 232 5501,
Mahendra Singh: msingh@crossroadskzn.co.za
