Community members had a fun day trying their luck at a game of bingo, all to contribute to an initiative that cares for physically and intellectually disabled people.
This bingo event, held on 29 July at the Getty Miami in North Riding, was the third annual successful fundraiser.
The fundraising initiative started in 2014 when a need was identified for security cameras to be installed in the Shalom Respite Care Centre.
The first event proved to be a great success and therefore another one was held the next year to raise money for the residents of the Shalom Respite Care Centre in Magaliesburg.
Shalom is a caring, professionally run centre that offers respite and long-term care for profoundly physically and intellectually disabled people. The centre was created primarily for those who need professional nursing care.
One of the organisers of the event and sibling of a Shalom resident, Kimberly McIntyre said, “I took it upon myself to raise this money for the cameras to be installed by initially asking for donations in lieu of wedding presents. This sadly was still not enough money and therefore a fundraiser was organised to raise the shortfall.”
Participants managed to raise a total of R11 000.
Instead of a monetary entrance fee, bingo supporters were encouraged to bring a packet of sanitary towels in aid of the girls at Home of Hope for Girls – with 280 packets of sanitary towels collected.
Home of Hope is an autonomous, self-starter initiative to provide real care for exploited, trafficked and abused children in the city of Johannesburg.
It provides the girls with a loving home and the tools to take control of their futures.
McIntyre said, “The aim of these sibling-run fundraisers is not to solve all the problems that Shalom may have, due to limited funding, but rather to do something small to improve the lives of all the residents.”
She added that while this fundraising event was successful, the Shalom Respite Care Centre and the Home of Hope for Girls always has a need for further donations.
Details: www.shalomrespitecarecentre.co.za and www.hopehome.org.za
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