Toys for children in Lombardy East
LOMBARDY EAST – Sithandiwe is a care centre for children with profound or intellectual disabilities.
Members of the Bedfordview Lions Club recently donated toys to about 50 children at Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre in Lombardy East as part of their festive season charity drive.
Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre was started in 2006 by Thandi Ndhlovu, who is physically disabled and a strong proponent of support for the disabled.
According to Ward 81 councillor Irene Rugheimer who facilitated the donations, Ndhlovu has a compassionate heart for children and has dedicated herself to help and empower people with disabilities to grow and develop in a welcoming and safe environment.
She said Sithandiwe is a care centre for children with profound or intellectual disabilities between the ages of three and 18 years old and currently 50 children ‘benefit from this exceptional place on an ongoing basis’.
“Initially, the centre provided the disabled with the opportunity to learn how to sew and practice beadwork but over the years, the number of activities, varying types of care and development opportunities have multiplied,” explained Rugheimer.
“Thanks must go to the Bedfordview Lions Club who provided toys which were donated by the Johannesburg Toy Run. The Lions Club assisted on the day, mainly with marshalling and, in return, received toys to distribute.”
The Toy Run is a charitable event where the motorcycling community donates toys and stationery to less fortunate children. The event is in its 37th consecutive year and about 22 000 toys are collected annually in Gauteng alone.
Rugheimer also said that after fellow councillor, Steve Kotze, received a call from a friend requesting assistance with a wheelchair for an elderly person, a much-needed wheelchair was donated to a resident at Sappers Haven Retirement Village in Lombardy East. “Rotary was kind enough to donate a wheelchair and we would like to thank Rotary and councillor Kotze for their valuable assistance and contribution.”
Details: Irene Rugheimer 072 409 6594.
Related Article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/238499/joy-as-local-schools-receive-rugby-kits-donations/
