MyPlayers Benevolent Fund lends a helping hand

IT was a momentous and joyous ceremony when Abraham Kriel Childcare (AKC) was nominated as the beneficiary of the MyPlayers Benevolent Fund. The official handover of a donation cheque to Paul Momsen, chief executive of AKC, on behalf of well known rugby players from the Fund took place on May 8.

What is the MyPlayers Benevolent Fund?

Founded in 2013, and the first of its kind charitable initiative, MyPlayers Benevolent Fund was launched by professional rugby players in South Africa and is the official charity organisation of the players.

Professional rugby players in South Africa consider themselves very fortunate in that they have the opportunity to live out their dreams of playing professional rugby. The rugby players feel that it is only fitting to give back and support communities who are less fortunate by donating funds from the players’ business to charitable causes around the country.

The Fund made its first donation to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Fund last year as well as the J9 Foundation. This year, all five Super Rugby teams, the nine provinces as well as the Springboks will have an opportunity to donate to causes in their respective regions.

“Although, there are so many deserving charities in South Africa, the Golden Lions Rugby Union nominated Abraham Kriel Childcare. The organisation is dedicated to uplifting and improving the lives of so many children and the impact that it has on the lives of these children is absolutely heartening to see. We know that this contribution will impact all of its beneficiaries positively,” says Sam Nyaniso of the MyPlayers Benevolent Fund.

Abraham Kriel Childcare was established in 1902 as a safe haven in Langlaagte for children who were orphaned during the South African war. Abraham Kriel Childcare currently still faces many challenges on behalf of South Africa’s children, such as child abuse, sexual abuse, poverty, HIV/AIDS and lack of access to the economy for unskilled youth. It is only through continued collaboration with our communities and their support that we can win these battles.

The organisation provides both residential care and community services and focuses on providing shelter, care and rehabilitation for children between the ages of birth and 18 years old, who have been subjected to trauma, abuse, molestation, poverty and neglect.

AKC currently operates 21 (including a baby unit) houses for children, and carries out six community care programmes that provide food, shelter, pastoral care, remedial care, social services, skills development services and early childhood development. The thinking of the organisation focuses on long-term comprehensive care, which gives children an opportunity to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the MyPlayers Benevolent Fund and all of the players who are part of this organisation. It is through contributions such as the MyPlayers Benevolent Fund that we can continue to do the work that we are doing, and making a difference to the lives of all children in need,” says Hilda du Toit, marketing manager of the Abraham Kriel Childcare.

To find out more about the MyPlayers Benevolent Fund, please visit their website on www.myplayers.co.za and the Abraham Kriel Childcare on www.abrahamkriel.org