The health of children on the Cape Flats remains at risk unless interventions are made at an early age, says Leliebloem House director, Francisco Cornelius.
Speaking at a handover of baby products from Johnson & Johnson last Tuesday, June 13, Mr Cornelius said it is important for people to know how to take care of their children.
The children’s home, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary, accommodates 60 children, aged between four and 18, who are placed with them by the Children’s Courts of South Africa.
The products, which included wet wipes, body wash and shampoo, will be used for the toddlers at the Crawford-based home and their Isibindi programme helping children in Grabouw who have lost their parents due to HIV/Aids.
The donation forms part of a R3million project distributing baby products to vulnerable communities working in the health and education sector. The baby products will be distributed to over 60 beneficiaries reaching over 5000 recipients through Community Chest.
“The products will come in very handy, and it has come at the right time. We want to appeal to the community to get involved with our organisation and come and spend time with us and see what we do. The subsidy that we get is not sufficient and we are in constant need of donations. It’s difficult for people to donate money so come and see what we do here,” said Mr Cornelius.
He said back in the day people took care of each other’s children but now there is a need for more children’s homes.
“There are 51 children’s homes on the Cape Flats but that is not enough. More children need a place to stay because they cannot stay in their own homes.”
CEO of the Community Chest, Lorenzo Davids, said providing early interventions will help increase the health of babies.
“We want to make sure that these kind of agencies get these products and get it to the communities in which they work,” he said.