Through the warmth of a mother’s hug, the soothing comfort of a father’s understanding, a child knows they are loved.
But, there are children who don’t have this luxury. Children who are abandoned, abused and orphaned. Whether removed from their families or who have no place to call home, these children face a future without the love of their parents.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. No longer do they need to face the world alone. St Martin’s Village is a place of safety, catering for babies and young children. The home is the brainchild of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
“We are filled to capacity with six babies in our care,” explains Pastor Thomas Beneke of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.
With three care workers showering the children with love, the infants can now experience the joys of a family life. But, while the home operates as a place of safety and care, St Martin’s Village does need the community’s assistance.
Determined to become self-sufficient, St Martin’s Village has two projects running to raise funds. The community can purchase fresh, home-grown chickens and vegetables at a fraction of regular store prices.
The funds go towards the running of the home, ensuring the babies are well cared for.
- Spinach/Swiss Chard is available for R6.50 a bunch.
- Lettuce is R15 a packet or R10 a head.
- Chili relish is available for R60 for 500g
- Raw honey can be purchased for R55 for 500g
Barns chickens and pastured chickens are also available for the community. To purchase chickens or vegetables, be sure to contact Mandla Mtshali on 072 391 4557 or 084 556 7500. Your purchase will see the babies in St Martin’s Village benefit greatly.
However, this is not the only project which St Martin’s Village is running. Pastor Beneke explains that a fund-raising fun run will be held for St Martin’s Village on April 7.
Hosted by ignite, the event will take place at Luperdkloof Trout Lodge in Utrecht. Participants can enter the 50km, 20km or 10km divisions. Offering fitness enthusiasts an scenic challenge, the event promises to be a family-orientated occasion, while having the chance to make a positive impact on the community.
For more information on the trail run, call 060 984 4079.
But the two fund-raising initiatives are not the only projects St Martin’s Village is busy with. “We are having discussions with the Department of Social Development, to see if we can establish a cluster foster care scheme,” Pastor Beneke said.
This will see certain families in Newcastle acting as foster parents, giving the babies a chance to experience the benefits of family life.
“A volunteer group from Pretoria will also be coming through in the first week of April. They will be assisting with the renovations of the out building,” Pastor Beneke explained. The out building can then be used for the St Martin’s Village staff and volunteers as accommodation.
“We are also hosting a tea party on April 4, for our volunteers. This will be St Martin’s way of thanking them for all their support. It will also be used as an opportunity to introduce the community to the home, babies and staff.”
For more information on how to support St Martin’s Village, contact the home on 087 170 0949.
Caption: St Martin’s Village’s house mother, Tracey Koen with one of the infants in the home’s care.
