Titmas, who represented the Plattner family, was assisted by Ryan O'Connor, 94.5 Kfm breakfast show presenter, and Sue du Toit, the director of GCW
Du Toit said that Sabine's Haven was opened to ensure that the children in the community who have been identified by social workers to have challenges at home can be placed in a temporary safe and caring environment until a permanent solution has been found. The safe house can cater for 12 children and is run by House Mother Gloria Harker. Harker was hand-picked through word of mouth and Du Toit describes her as "perfect and nurturing" and importantly provides a routine for the children that stabilises and calms troubled minds and broken hearts.
Prior to the renovation, the house was "in a terrible state". Ping Piccolo, working under instruction of Plattner, cajoled, coaxed and persuaded local contractors to assist with the project. "It was due to their generosity that we could produce such a magnificent structure within the R1,3-million budget," said Piccolo. They donated and fitted tiles, granite kitchen tops, fencing, roofing, fitted cupboards, burglar bars, curtains, electrical fittings and paint. She described the process as "a pleasure" and "a humbling experience for me". The building operation began in March and everything from the teaspoons to the baby cribs were donated.
In 2004 Kfm held a radio telethon and bought the property with the idea of having a home for children infected and affected by HIV/Aids. In 2006, with increased pressure by the Department of Social Development to standardise institutions of this nature, Kfm decided that the house must be administrated by an NGO that already has a footprint in the affected community. The house was handed to GCW. O'Conner described that first meeting of the new role players as, "A whole lot of special people getting together to create magic." Kfm will continue to keep in contact with the project. Du Toit said Sabine's Haven is more than just a haven for social workers who need an emergency shelter to buy time, it is a place of love where children can hopefully begin a new chapter in their lives.
The safe house is named after Sabine Plattner, patron of GCW who contributes in many different ways to various projects for the benefit of the community. Titmus added that Sabine's "passion for early childhood development" is what inspired her to get involved in the project.
Shannon Frost and Sarah-Jane Davies interview Ryan O' Connor, from 94.5 Kfm
The role-players involved in making the dream a reality. Photo: Myron Rabinowitz
Article: Sarah-Jane Davies and Shannon Frost. Shannon and Sarah-Jane spent a week job shadowing at the George Herald. Both are second year students at Rhodes University
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