George Child and Family Welfare devastated after storm damage to safe house

GEORGE NEWS - George Child and Family Welfare has issued an urgent appeal for assistance after one of its safe houses sustained severe damage during recent heavy winds and persistent rainfall.

The facility, one of seven homes operated by the organisation, has for the past 12 years provided a place of safety, stability and healing for vulnerable children placed in its care.

Over the years, it has supported countless children recovering from trauma, offering both short-term and longer-term placements where many have been able to regain a sense of security and emotional well-being.

In the aftermath of the storm, the organisation was forced to evacuate both the house mother and the children as conditions worsened and the extent of the damage became clear. They have since been safely relocated while arrangements are being made for storage and safeguarding of belongings.

George Child and Family Welfare director Sue du Toit said the impact of the destruction has been emotionally overwhelming.

“Every time I am on site I feel devastated. The extent of the damage feels unreal,” she said.

With ongoing inclement weather and no electricity at the premises, the organisation has also had to arrange for security guards to protect the property, adding unexpected financial pressure at an already difficult time.

Plans are currently underway to move the remaining contents of the house as soon as weather conditions allow and suitable storage space can be secured. At the same time, the organisation is awaiting feedback from insurers regarding what repairs will be covered.

While insurance is expected to assist with part of the recovery process, significant additional costs will not be covered. These include urgent restoration needs, replacement of essential items, storage requirements, and other operational expenses needed to return the home to a safe and functional condition.

Public support is now being sought to help bridge this gap. Donations of sturdy boxes are needed for packing and storage, while monetary contributions will assist with immediate recovery costs and ongoing expenses linked to securing and restoring the property.

Items urgently needed include:

Clothing for a 1–2-year-old girl
Clothing for a 4–5-year-old boy
Clothing for a 9–10-year-old boy
Warm blankets
Any other children’s clothing, as the organisation supports a large number of children in the community

George Child and Family Welfare has emphasised that community support will be vital in ensuring the safe house can be restored and continue its role as a place of refuge for children in need.