Charities help each other out
ROSEBANK - Immaculata Shelter will be able to offer a little more to the homeless people who pass through its doors, thanks to the Reea Foundation.
The epilepsy and mild neurological disorder foundation donated books from its bookshop to the shelter for distribution among the homeless.
Bookshop volunteer Judy Harding said the idea came to her after she read a Gazette article that mentioned the shelter (Ollis visits police station and shelter, week ending 1 March).
“After reading the article, I thought the shelter could use some books from our shop. I’ve made a couple of deliveries of books since then,” she said.
The donated books were mostly hardcover editions that Harding said weren’t fast sellers.
The shelter’s Michael Ntuli expressed gratitude for the donations and said that homeless people were grateful to receive them.
“I’ve noticed people reading the books around the shelter. I believe it does contribute to their wellbeing. Reading also provides them with a brief escape from their daily lives, and it’s empowering,” he said.
Reea resident and children’s books supervisor Sonja du Bruyn agreed with Ntuli and said, “We learn something new every time we read. I think it’s good that the people at the shelter have access to books.”
Ntuli said the shelter was grateful for the assistance it received from the community.
“We also welcome donations of clothing, blankets and non-perishable food,” he said.
Details: Judy Harding 011-788-4745; Michael Ntuli 011-325-0329, 079-507-7335.
