The festive season is a time of giving, and two local organizations, Journey for Hope Baby Home and Love and Hope, are calling on community members to support their initiatives to spread joy and care to vulnerable children this holiday.
Journey for Hope Baby Home, located on The Bluff, is gearing up for the arrival of new babies as Christmas approaches. Founder Caileen Flemming has shared their wishlist, which includes necessities such as infant formula, swimming nappies, sunscreen, and toddler snacks. "We have new babies arriving soon, and we’ll need formula for small babies as well as our three toddlers," said Flemming. The home emphasizes the importance of each contribution, especially during this festive period. "Our babies and toddlers deserve the best care and a bit of fun over the holidays. We want to make their Christmas as special as possible, and the support of our community makes it possible," she added.
The wishlist from Journey for Hope serves as both guidance for potential donors and as a means for ensuring the children receive adequate nourishment and care. Items needed include:
- Infacare 1 formula for small babies
- Infacare 3 formula for toddlers
- Swimming nappies and sunscreen for pool days
- Fresh fruit and toddler snacks
- Washing powder and cleaning supplies
Support from the community is highly encouraged. Donations not only provide material support but also uplift the spirits of the children, making the festive season memorable. Those interested can reach out to Caileen Flemming at 082 398 0369 or via email at [email protected] for more information on donations.
On the other side of town, Mitchells Plain-based non-profit organization, Love and Hope, is making its mark with the "Adopt a Box" charity initiative. Founded by husband-and-wife team Lauren and Marco Pekeur, this project aims to bring joy to over 100 children ranging from ages 6 to 16. The campaign was inspired by children from Macassar, who, as Lauren noted, "walked and attended school barefoot irrespective of the weather." This heartfelt initiative launched on November 6 and will run until December 24.
Lauren explained the essence of the program: "We hope to reach about 100 to 130 children on Christmas Day." Local residents can participate by filling boxes with basic necessities such as underwear, toothbrushes, soap, and other toiletries. Each box will also include food and pre-loved teddies, emphasizing the joy and warmth of giving.
To get involved with Love and Hope’s initiative, contact Lauren via email at [email protected]. This is a wonderful opportunity to make the festive season brighter for children who are often overlooked.
Both Journey for Hope and Love and Hope exemplify the true spirit of community support. They highlight how collective efforts can make significant impacts on the lives of children, especially during special times of the year. By reaching out with donations, whether it be through wish lists or boxed goods, community members can assist these organizations and bring smiles to children’s faces.
Every contribution, big or small, matters. This festive season, let’s join hands to uplift those who need it most and give them the joy they deserve.
