Child Welfare receives half a million from Garden Club

The handover of the cheque would go towards the Elton John Masibambisane Centre for orphaned and vulnerable children, based in Eldorado Park.

Prue Johnson, chairperson of the club, explained that the club had been fundraising for the organisation for many decades.

“We’ve been fundraising for the Joburg Child Welfare for the past 64 years and it’s the main reason we exist as a club,” she explained.

She added that it was important for the club to assist in supporting underprivileged children and it was quite significant that less than 200 members managed to raise R550 000 through fundraising events.

Also present at the handover was Lyn Perry, director of the Johannesburg Welfare, who expressed heartfelt gratitude at the generous donation.

“Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our children and showing them what it means to care and be cared for,” she said.

Perry also expressed pride at the progress made by the centre, since it was opened by Sir Elton John in 2003, saying it has become a safe haven for vulnerable and orphaned children in the surrounding areas.

She also appealed to community members, businesses and individuals to assist the organisation to make more of a difference in the lives of the underprivileged.

“Foreign and local funding has decreased over the years, but as a non-profit organisation, we continually need donations to keep going,” she said.

The handover took place in Hyde Park on 4 March at 11am.

To donate to the welfare, visit www.jhbchildwelfare.org.za or call 011 298 8595.

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