“Giving them coins doesn’t change their lives” – i Care
Street children care organisation urges motorists not to give money to beggars.
MILLIONS of visitors are set to descend on Durban shores in the next week and local non profit organisation, I Care, is imploring motorists to refrain from giving money to street children, with their motto, “Don’t give us money, give us a future.”
The NPO works to rehabilitate and take care of children living on the street. Gail Elson, marketing manager at I Care said they are appealing to the public not to give money to street children. Elson said the act did not change the children’s living conditions.
“Giving these children money enables and prolongs their stay on the streets, and in turn encourages substance abuse, which can lead to crime and all sorts of unacceptable and bad behaviour. Sadly, many children come to the street during the school holidays with the preconceived idea that they will make themselves plenty pocket money,” Elson said.
She added that with generous holiday makers in the city, over the Christmas period, some street children make as much as R500 a day begging.
I Care, has been successfully transforming the lives of street children for the past 14 years, and strongly appeal for public support to continue their efforts. Locals wanting to donate towards I Care can contact 081 331 5484/031 572 6870 or www.icare.co.za
