The Queen Butterfly Foundation is releasing a children’s book

The Queen Butterfly Foundation is a stimulation centre that caters for children and young adults with profound physical and mental disabilities. The non-profit organisation was started by a young woman named Palesa Mofokeng.

Palesa’s mother was a domestic worker for a family who had a child with a disability, and she would often help her mother with caring for the child in need while growing up. Ultimately, she developed a passion for the task. After working at Pathways in Roodepoort for a while, Palesa realised the need to extend her service. She wanted to add value to her community, so she started Queen Butterfly.

As with all NPOs, this organisation relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts. Their newest project, funded by the City of Joburg, is the release of a children’s book entitled Bluebelle Loves Springtime. The funds received from the CoJ have gone towards printing and publishing the book, which went on sale at their launch on 28 September. The money raised from the book will be used for physiotherapy equipment, communication devices, and cause-and-effect toys – all tools that will improve their programmes.

Bluebelle Loves Springtime is a beautifully illustrated story written and illustrated by Julie Botha, director of Pathways Roodepoort and the mother of one of the learners at the Queen Butterfly Foundation school. The educational and entertaining story follows Bluebelle the elephant as she learns about the importance of rain, water, and friendship.

The book launch will be held on 28 September at the Crouse Art Gallery in the Palet Coffee Shop, 386 Ontdekkers Road, Florida. The event will be held from 10.30am to 1pm and the books will be sold for R100 each. Everyone is welcome to come and support this cause. A few of the learners have learned a special song especially for the launch, and will be performing on the day.