Vryheid Child Welfare holds AGM

Vryheid Child Welfare employees, committee members and social workers attended the annual general meeting (AGM) at their offices on Saturday to review the activities over the last year.

Rev Te Brugge, who presented the chairperson’s report, mentioned that, “Our meeting is a small, informal one, as we are still trying to get back to normal after two years of upheaval due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” She went on to say that the challenges of previous years have remained, as there are times when the doors were closed altogether and at other times, the organisation operated with a skeleton staff. “This is very difficult to do, as the general public is finding it difficult financially as well. One aspect of this is that we have noticed that people would rather sell unwanted items instead of donating them to a charity shop such as the Bargain Bin. That said, we have received many wonderful donations that help to keep the organisation afloat.”

Giving the honorary treasurer’s report, Lorna Webster said, “During the 2021/2022 year, we had a few fund-raising events that helped immensely with our cash flow. We had a successful golf day, and we are forever grateful and thankful to Wayne Bissett and Sunjay Bennie for hosting this amazing event. We were able to take part in a few market days and had a successful food run at Pick ‘n Pay.” She also thanked AbaQulusi Municipality (for allowing them to rent the office), Nardini Convent Sisters and the Methodist Church, as well as Mr and Mrs Taylor from Linkup.

The social work report was presented by Ms Kubheka, during which she mentioned that their organisation cares for children who have been abused, neglected, orphaned and / or abandoned. She outlined various objectives, the first one being family preservation. This regards intakes, where clients request assistance from their office for the first time. The other objectives were: statutory services like foster care; the poverty alleviation programme in the form of social relief and Santa’s Shoe Box; as well as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and sustainability, where they have market day stalls, jumble sales and takkie tax. “We are still standing because of the enormous support from individuals, businesses, churches and societies.”

She acknowledged the Gift of the Givers, TFS Wholesalers, Siyaxhasana Construction, Vryheid High School Interact, and the community of Vryheid at large.

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