Report from Athelé Oosterbroek
from
Hugh's Haven
What a joy to be able to personally hand out blankets, beanies, soft toys to cuddle, hand warmers, knitted tops, stationery and books to this very needy group of children with Estelle yesterday, a fellow volunteer at the marvellous charity, Knit-A-Square, for whom I'm blessed to do voluntary work.
Fourteen children are cared for by a real live angel who has dedicated her life to caring for abandoned children at Hugh's Haven, in Kelvin, Johannesburg. They rely totally on contributions from the community and are all home schooled because there are not enough funds to cover even basic school fees.
One of your beautiful blankets, that was so gratefully received by this little girl.
Don't be fooled by the fact that they live in a decent house; they were as excited by the bread, jars of peanut butter and bags of apples Estelle brought along as they were by everything else we gave them. The house belongs to a contributor who charges them a token rental, but money to feed the children is a constant struggle.
We also took along some 'cuddlers' as sleeping bags for the toddlers, one of which would have warmed a three month old baby who was being collected from a destitute mother in Yeoville yesterday afternoon.
A heartwarming morning, one which reminded me of how very blessed my family and I are.
Chaya, the lady who has been giving shelter to children in need for thirteen years in extremely grateful to all who reach out to assist her.
If you know of a group of children in need, who are not supported by government or other charities, who could do with blankets to warm as winter bites down on us, please let us know.
Preparing all the goodies at Estelle's home before we left!
The stash ... about to leave!
Replies
Athele and Estelle, you are an inspiration with your dedication to Knit-a-Square and your hands-on involvement with distributing the beautiful items that members send in. Thank you for this lovely report!
Thank you Estelle and Athele. So many photos to enjoy! You made my day joyful.
Oh lovely. I did a search regarding the two tiny tots in the photo with one taking hold of the other's hat. I found the photo of the little one on the right receiving their toy and then the photo of the one on the left receiving their toy, and then of that child receiving a jumper - no hat yet but I am sure if the baby had been given a hat he/she would have taken it off as it the game of that age group. So beautiful to see this group of children and the love laugher and fun of the adults giving all that they could. Thank you :)
What a great feast of photos! Thank you. I loved looking at them. :) There's some very distinctive squares, hats and toys here. I hope their makers spot them!
Lovely report ! Thank you. All the children look happy, but I noticed that most of the children have bare feet. The blankets beanies hand warmers and jumpers must have been greatly appreciated. Gorgeous blankets and toys too. It is always so nice when someone recognises their handiwork.I see that Hugh's Haven is named after a fellow countryman. Such a wonderful man and a terrible end to his life.
could we knit slipper for then?
Estelle and Athelé, you did a wonderful job! Heartwarming to see the children smile and I am so glad you could bring FOOD for them! I will visit the KAS SHOP soon, go to the Nutritious Snacks Department and put my basket full with food for the next KAS distribution! xoxoxo
oh goodness... please if there is a link to donate for food please post it!
Hi Mary, here is the link to their website, I hope that is what you were looking for? Chaya is mentioned in the " About us" section so I am pretty sure that this is their website:
http://www.hughshaven.co.za/Default.aspx
Sorry to see that they do not have a Paypal account. Is there somewhere we can send a Paypal donation from the U.S. that would reach them?
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next