Bobbi Bear faces closure without funding
There are 21 people working for Bobbi Bear, with most stationed in various communities for children to approach, should they need help.
WITH no more guaranteed funding, Operation Bobbi Bear may have no other option but to close its doors in early 2023, unless they gain support from the community.
Operation Bobbi Bear’s director, Eureka Olivier, said that Covid-19, looting and the floods have put a financial strain on their non-profit organisation, as donations have subsequently started dwindling.
“So many surrounding charity organisations have closed their doors, and somehow we have managed to survive. However, we need the community’s support more than ever. Utility bills are due, we need to pay for school fees, rape packs, food and many other monthly household expenses. If we continue as we are, we will have no choice but to close our home, not operations, in the new year.”
Olivier said that there is a preconceived notion that they are ‘rich’ because they own a house. “Sixteen-years-ago, I reached out to everyone, in hopes of raising enough money to purchase a home. We were fortunate enough to have sponsors from Holland who reached who reached out, and bought us this house. At that time, all Bobbi Bear had was R48 in the bank.
Blood, sweat, tears and generous donations have allowed us to make this home what it is today. But, as much as this house has helped children, it has also damaged us. Our books are open to the public, please come take a look at the history of this house.”
Before Covid-19, Bobbi Bear had a successful volunteer programme with Holland, where volunteers would regularly visit, at their own expense, and bring along donations and their expertise. However, since Covid-19 and fear of safety, the programme and its stable income came to a bitter end.
She said, “Before looting, a lot of companies would donate, but after their businesses were robbed and burnt down, they could no longer afford it.”
Without funds, they do not know how they will keep their doors open. On top of that, they have taken on more responsibility. Olivier said, “When organisations, such as the pregnancy crisis centre closed, there was no where left for those children to go other than Bobbi Bear. How do we turn away a young girl, who was raped and is now eight months pregnant?”
They have tried to find ways to generate an income, but they are inundated with court cases, rape call-outs and children who need support, they simply do not have the time. She encourages the community and business to donate toward their cause, even if it is just a few hundred rand each month.
“We will never stop helping children, even if our doors close. How do we look at a blood-covered child, and turn them away? Our love, passion, and my 25 years of expertise and knowledge would never allow that,” said Olivier.
She said they are one of the last long-standing children’s home. She urges the community to recognise that they are also an information centre for various family-related issues, and that without them, these children will have no where to turn to.
There are 21 people working for Bobbi Bear, with most stationed in various communities for children to approach, should they need help. “December is the most difficult time for us. While most people are wrapping presents, we are packing rape bags. This stems back to economic problems, many people have lost jobs, stress is mounting and many turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, which often results in domestic violence and rape,” said an emotional Olivier.
Bobbi Bear urgently appeals for financial donations and are holding out for a miracle going into 2023.
For more information, contact 031 903 2424. To make a monetary donation, use the following details: Bobbi Bear Fund, FNB, account number: 62018619471, branch code: 250655.
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