As you can see from some of the photographs Thembalihle is a very dismal place and has sadly deteriorated since the previous Knit-a-Square visit in 2013. We met up with Maria, the main woman at Arise Pre-School, who explained that there are so many more we could distribute to in the area. The roads are hideous and the infra-structure non-existent which is causing everyone in the area to feel extremely fed-up.
ARISE PRE-SCHOOL
Wandi packed the blankets and I see she chose a blanket from Heather that was stitched by one of the office team. It is wrapped around a gorgeous child who was absolutely ecstatic with it.
A lovely boy named Joseph was very forthcoming and he came back to choose his own blanket as the one Wandi had wrapped him in had PINK squares in it!! He specifically wanted a 'boy' blanket, but, he was happy with the hand warmers and beanie I handed to him. Then he spotted the big teddy with the Superman outfit on - his eyes nearly popped out of his head, it was love at first sight! I gave it to him and he hugged it to himself and said, "I love him so much - is he mine for always?" It was so touching, I could hardly speak.
Again, like our previous visit, the little 'outsiders' were unkempt and ravenously hungry. They almost inhaled the apples we gave them. They may even have been the same kids from 2013.
Recyclers - the ladies walk miles and miles with their piled trolleys to make a few rand at the dump.
Interestingly, Nkosinathi (one of our Surrey Bizhub Security guards) has made a deal with some of the recyclers in Randburg to come and collect KAS recylables every Tuesday. This will make life easier for Knit-a-Square.
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It is such a special feature of KAS that we see everyone's work getting to the children and Ronda and the team take the time to send us photos and keep us so well informed. I don't think there is one other charity that communicates so well with its supporters - thank you Ronda and everyone including Pam for doing all the posting.
Pam I agree with you 100%! The feedback and info we get gives us such motivation to keep going. I can't think of ways to bless these ladies enough for their unflagging love and devotion in reaching out to these children. It is helping our hearts reach their hearts. Hugs to everyone involved. You are so dear to all of us!
Tears....so touching and so desperate. I'm happy that KAS can provide a bright spot for these children. Good work KASisters!
Beautiful report if very sad. My heart has quite fallen for Joseph !!! I love that he spoke up about the PINK and then that he so treasures the teddy. Too 'mature " for pink but just a little boy wanting his very own teddy ! It proves beyond a doubt what these gifts mean to the children.
Please visit link below
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Kn1t-a-square?utm_id=2
Thanks for the reminder. Cheque in the post tomorrow.....x
Thanks for the link Sharon, I just popped over to donate. It's Canadian Thanksgiving here, we just had a wonderful home cooked meal by our daughter and to see these children...one just HAS to give something I feel. I'm grateful I can give something and power to the lot of you! I love how oversubscribed it is and it keeps growing!
Thank you for all the photos. It is really very touching and I am very glad you will go back there to do more distributions.
Mixed emotions after reading this report.......always so sad to see the vast difference between their world and mine....our own children are soooo lucky.....
but so happy to know that we are making a difference, in the way we know best....and even had a little chuckle over Joseph and his small request of a 'boy' blanket and his absolute joy in being able to keep his toy. Note to self to keep an eye out for more boy oriented toys.
A testament to Ronda and Team SA that there is someone wanting to help, by taking their recyclables away for them. Any assistance that anyone can give Ronda, is such a bonus. :))
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