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GEORGE NEWS - The welfare of the children of George was already on the minds of our forefathers almost a century ago. At the inauguration of the town's first Child Welfare Society 95 years ago, early September 1926, the subscription for membership was fixed at five cents.
An extract from the article that was published in the George & Knysna Herald on 15 September 1926, reads as follows:
"Dr St Leger has already headed the list with a donation of 10 pound and has been enrolled the first life member. He hopes many will follow his example. Mr Hewitt has kindly offered to send the scouts round for subscriptions from those who voted at the meeting."
From that starting point to the current day, George Child and Family Welfare (GCFW) went through rough patches, nearly closing its doors in the late 90s. With the help of its patron, Sabine Plattner, the organisation was raised from near ashes to a stable presence offering quality services to the communities.
With the support of the Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) foundation, social workers at the welfare are paid more competitive salaries and the organisation has its own premises.
"Due to this amazing support, staff turnover is much lower, with some staff having remained with the organisation for more than 20 years," said GCFW director Sue du Toit.
Next Monday, 27 September, all the GCFW vehicles and staff will go into the community to spread some happiness, in celebration of the organisation's birth month. "We will make ourselves seen and hand out sweets and treats to the kids in our areas of operation," said Du Toit.
Achievements
The establishment of early childhood development centres in 1985 enables the organisation to accommodates 620 children throughout town on a daily basis with education and nutrition.
A toy library and resource centre (food) were established in 2010, with the help of Oakhurst Insurance, that provided a vitamin-enriched soya and rice meal that is distributed by the project.
In 2014 Sabine's Haven safe house, that can accommodate 12 children with two house-mothers, was officially opened. This house provides for the emergency short-term placement of children in crises.
Photo gallery: George Child Welfare has deep roots
In 2015 the Buddy mobile unit was established, which goes out to the communities four days a week to provide therapy, support, life skills and recreational activities to the children near their homes. They also get a hot meal as they come out of school.
The first Cluster Foster Home officially opened in March 2019, another in July 2020, and one more in February 2021. Each house can accommodate six children long term, and currently the ages of the children vary from 1 to 16 years. "The houses have had a huge impact on the lives of all the children and it is so rewarding to visit and see how happy they are," said Du Toit.
"This project is also funded by SPAC and will acquire another three houses over the next two and a half years."
With the help of their patron, Sabine Plattner, the organisation was raised from near ashes to a stable presence with quality services to the communities and permanent premises at 66 Nelson Mandela Boulevard.
Highlights
The Sikelela Sills Centre was established in 2007 and was very successful, but had to close since it was not financially sustainable. "However, with the organisation's growth and increased number of social workers, this space has become vital for our service, being utilised for office space, donations and training," said Du Toit.
The GCFW opened its first charity shop in 1986, but had to close it a few years later due to relocation. It was opened in 2000 again, in Langenhoven Street, and was later moved to its current spot at the GCFW offices. "It sells adult clothing, and all sorts of goods which are not used in any of our projects, or needed by families. The shop brings in a regular income for projects and emergencies. All children's clothing donated is given to kids we work with," said Du Toit.
The GCFW Ladies Tea has for 12 years been a highlight on the social calendar. It is one of the organisation's major yearly fundraising events, but could not take place last year due to Covid-19.
The Gideon du Plessis Charity Golf Day has been an annual event since 2008 and brings much-needed funds to the organisation. It too had to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
Covid-19 challenges
Throughout the pandemic, the GCFW has never been closed, but kept functioning daily on full staff.
"We are devastated at the loss of one of our beloved auxiliary workers, Nomzamo Mavi, on 9 August 2020," said Du Toit. "After securing sponsorship to fund her training, she had been employed by the organisation for 11 years. This was a very tough time for all of us."
Over seven months during the pandemic, the GCFW distributed 147 000 sandwiches on weekdays, made by staff and members of the community.
"This also helped us to maintain contact with our children and make sure they were safe during this challenging time," said Du Toit. "We also supported four soup kitchens with the generous support of the public."
Greatest needs
The following items are high on the organisation's list of essential needs: food; toiletries; nappies/milk/baby things; donations such as clothing, household goods for the shop, and children's clothing for kids. "We are always looking for places of safety and foster parents, as well as house mothers. Anyone interested can contact George Child & Family Welfare on 044 874 0424/7," said Du Toit.
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