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GEORGE NEWS - George Child and Family Welfare (GCFW) celebrated a century of caring for children and families in the George community on Saturday 26 September.
The organisation traces its beginnings to September 1926, when George's first child welfare society was established.
Membership was initially set at 5c. Dr St Leger made a £10 donation and became the organisation's first life member.
Today, GCFW is a designated child protection organisation focused on the safety, well-being and development of children and families in the George area.
Its services include crisis intervention and emergency assistance, child protection and Children's Court investigations, prevention and early intervention, foster and safety care, the Buddy Programme, five early childhood development centres serving more than 600 children, a toy library and resource centre, and support for children and families affected by abuse, neglect, abandonment and poverty.
The organisation has not always had an easy journey.
In the late 1990s, it came close to closing because of financial difficulties. Its fortunes changed significantly with the support of Sabine Plattner and the Sabine Plattner African Charities (Spac), which helped it secure a premises and strengthen its staffing and services.
The need for its services remains significant. This year, the GCFW reported that 525 children were in foster care in its area, while the organisation continues to urgently seek additional foster and safety parents, particularly for older children and sibling groups.
During Saturday's centenary celebrations, local endurance athlete Thembi Sojola handed a special donation to GCFW director Sue du Toit.
In August, Sojola had raised R56 000 for the organisation during an Everesting challenge, in which he attempted to climb George Peak enough times to accumulate more than 26 400m of elevation; the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest three times.
Although bad weather hampered his attempt, Sojola still completed 17 923m of elevation and covered an impressive 157.94km.
While the adults celebrated inside, about 100 children enjoyed the festivities outside, making the most of the semi-sunny weather. Bouncy castles, colouring-in activities, a candyfloss machine, boerewors rolls, Bonzo the Clown and plenty more entertainment kept the youngsters busy.
Nicci Passanah (Badger Soft Landings) and Maryna de Vries (director of Life Community Services). Photo: Supplied
Local endurance athlete Thembi Sojola with GFCW director Sue du Toit. Sojola raised R56 000 for the organisation during his challenge to climb George Peak enough times to accumulate more than 26 400m of elevation, the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest three times. RIGHT: A beautiful cake was served during the ceremony. Photos: Kristy Ayliffe
The little ones enjoyed colouring in with Kaylan Claassen (centre back): around the table are Rechanno Lamprecht, Angus Coetzee, MJ Mias, Ava Coetzee and Rechannique Lamprecht. Photo: Kristy Ayliffe‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
