The festive season is finally here. That means large family lunches, braais with friends, gifts and a relaxing break from school and work.
However, there are those who will not be able to enjoy the simple luxuries so many of us take for granted. There are children who might not even have lunch on Christmas Day or see their parents, toys or other gifts. For some children, these are luxuries only seen in movies.
That can’t be right, can it? For those living in Lindelani Home of Disability and Care Centre, oSizweni, this is a harsh reality they will face this December.
“I first got to know about Lindelani Home of Disability and Care Centre in July. Theku Plaza held its Mandela Day 61 minutes and we were looking for people who were in need,” explains Theku Plaza’s Centre Manager Estelle Cloete.
At the home, Cloete found Nelisiwe Kunene caring for a small group of disabled children. Cloete was touched by Kunene’s efforts. Selflessly dedicating her life to caring for others.
“I look after six disabled children. I’ve been looking after them since 2012. But, I was able to officially register the home in November 2017, which I am very thankful for,” Kunene explains.
Receiving no government grant or assistance, Kunene does her best to look after those in her care. But how did she get involved in caring for these children? And where are their parents?
“I initially started taking the children in when I saw how badly they needed care. Their parents work and are unable to look after them. With me, I can teach them a certain amount of life skills, fine motor skills and help boost their confidence,” Kunene explains.
Their ages are 9 years, 11 years, 12 years, 15 years, 18 years and 27 years. Their disabilities ranging from blindness, autism, a combination of blindness and autism, straight through to cerebral palsy.
Due to their disabilities, Kunene needs to give them extensive care. “I receive no money for looking after them and I would really like to give them something for Christmas,” Kunene explains.
Cloete is now rising to the challenge. Theku Plaza will be collecting items to donate to Lindelani Home of Disability and Care Centre. However, in order to make the initiative a success, Cloete is inviting the community to contribute to the cause.
Items needed are:
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Mielie-meal
- Rice
- Flour
- Sugar beans
- Samp
- Soup
- Soap and washing powder
- Baked beans
- Tin fish
- Toothpaste
- Roll-on
- Deodorant spray
- Vaseline
- Pampers nappies (Size 5)
- Toys
- Crayons
- Story Books
- Pencils
- Exercise Books
- Shoes
- Clothes
With the festive season revolving around the importance of giving to others, will you make this holiday a special one for six youngsters? Will you be spreading the festive joy to the less fortunate?
To donate to the cause, contact Estelle Cloete from Theku Plaza on 076 467 7512. Or, contact Quinton Boucher from the Newcastillian on 079 506 4858.
Your donation can make this December a memorable one for six youngsters who would otherwise face a bleak Christmas.
