Help children’s sanctuary keep their doors open

STRIVING to keep their doors open to abandoned and abused children, the Isaiah 54 Children’s Sanctuary, which is faced with the challenge of financial difficulty, had a grim start to National Children’s Month.

The home has held off celebrations this National Children’s Month, which is commemorated every year in November, and has called for residents and businesses to assist them in making ends meet so they can keep their doors open.

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Acting as a guardian for children in heartbreaking circumstances in the south Durban area, Glynnis Dauth and her team of caregivers have been striving to ensure that the needs of every child are met at the home despite their financial circumstances.

“Our doors are open to any child who needs a home. As a temporary place of safety, we work with children in trauma, who are abused, have been abandoned or are HIV-infected, or are brought to us by the police or child welfare during all hours of the day and night, depending on the situation. Our calling is to provide them with a safe space, see to their needs and make them feel loved until a solution is found.

“Like other non-profit organisations feeling the strain of not being able to cope financially with escalating bills, increases in prices of essential items and the overall rise in the cost of living, we, too, have been unable to stay afloat,” Dauth said. The sanctuary calls on residents and businesses to assist them through their financial crisis.

“Without sufficient funding, we will not be able to continue providing a home to babies and children in and around Durban. Our donations are not enough to cover our running costs, and we need help now more than ever.

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“We are doing our best to keep expenses low, such as limiting our electricity usage to two hours a day, cooking with gas, and having only two staff members. We received a partial exemption for school fees. Despite these measures, we owe the electricity department over R50 000, and our attempts to negotiate a reduction have been unsuccessful.

“No matter how big or small, every donation counts. As a registered NPO and PBO, we can provide an 18A tax certificate for donations,” added Dauth.

For more information, send a WhatsApp message to 084 488 1359.

To get involved in the sanctuary, contact Yolandi Gillain on 062 013 7955. To report child abuse, call Childline on 116.

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