GEORGE NEWS - The saying "charity starts at home" has never been truer than in the case of Kaitlyn Macdonald. Kaitlyn has been taught from a young age to give back, to donate the toys she does not use anymore. And this made her the young person she is today.
At only 11, she has already donated three times, the first time in grade 4 to the SPCA and then two years in a row to George Child and Family Welfare (GCW).
It started with the Holy Cross Primary market day. Learners who participate can keep the profit, but Kaitlyn decided she wanted to donate her earnings selling chocolate cookie pops and gave her profit of R460 to GCW.
Kathryn, Kaitlyn's mother, says she has taught her children from a young age to give back. "When they cleaned their rooms, we would look at the toys they didn't play with anymore and donate those. Even when we moved, we donated what we did not use anymore," she said.
Young Kaitlyn said she is just happy to give her money to a cause where it might help in a small way.
Sue du Toit from GCW says such young children seldom donate money they could have spent on themselves. "I think many people are oblivious to the suffering of so many of our children."
Du Toit says any donation, no matter how small, can have a huge impact on someone's life. It needn't be money; it can be a teddy or toys the kids no longer play with, food or some sweets, or even a warm blanket and clothes.
GCW works with so many children and families, there is bound to be someone will be impacted by a kind gesture, no matter how small.
She explained that Kaitlyn came to their office and chatted about some of the projects GCW are involved in.
"She chose to use the money to put together Comfort Packs for rape victims we support after hours."
Du Toit says that GCW used to offer an after-hour service to victims of abuse and neglect. Then some three years ago the Department of Social Development took over the service but, for reasons out of their control, they could not continue and came to an agreement with GCW to once again offer this service.
This means social workers are available after hours to take hands with the police in supporting child rape victims.
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