News: February 2008
2007 ended with a mixture of tragedy and rejoicing. Tragedy because on the Sunday of our World Aids Day service at PBC, Ubuntu house was raised to the ground by fire, and two people were killed, including a 2 year old child. The good news is that there is funding to build a new, fire resistant structure.
There was rejoicing because we were able to deliver so many Christmas presents to the children of the G25 Ward at Groote Schuur and the Christine Revell Home for children in Athlone. Furthermore not only did we receive funding for 2008 from Standard Bank, Breadline Africa and Pick n Pay, but we were able to buy a car courtesy of Willow Creek. The Avanza is able to transport both goods and people, which is a real blessing.
Resource Distribution
We are also so grateful to all those who have donated clothing and other resources, but unfortunately Lerato’s Hope has become a dumping ground for some to get rid of their unwanted goods. Leratos Hope will now only accept clothing which is clean, folded and in good condition and non-perishable foods. If you have anything else you wish to donate please contact Rowan, who will then find out if there is a need for what you have, and if there is, we will gladly pick it up.
Food Distribution
In 2007 Leratos Hope paid for food to over the value of R120 000, which is used by our partner organisations to minister to families affected by HIV and AIDS. Food is a critical factor in being able to uplift families affected by HIV so that they can get to a stage where they are able to stand on their feet.
Friends of Beautiful Gate
The outings continued with great fanfare, and were blessed to be able to take 40 kids from Ubuntu to a Christmas Party hosted by Investec. It was awesome – there were stalls, jumping castles, slippery slides, horse rides and food, sweets and presents galore. The experience was overwhelming for some of the poorest children in our city. The photos on this page are from that Christmas Party.
The volunteer programme is growing with an increasing number of people from our Pinelands Community getting involved as well, including the Pinelands Methodist Church youth.
A big thank you must go to a PBC family who has so generously financed these outings.
Lost and Found
Ettienne’s persistant sowing in 2007 has finally reaped a harvest of interest in the course. Not only have we budgeted to run 4 courses in Gugulethu in 2008, but Ettienne is presently in the Eastern Cape until April running courses in various schools and churches.
Ubuntu House
Rowan has been seconded by Lerato’s Hope onto the Management Committee of Ubuntu to assist them in their organizational structures and fundraising.
Some Specific Plans for 2008
- Train Izandla facilitators in the Lost and Found Course, and facilitate courses in Gugulethu
- Re-build Ubuntu house
- Work with Beautiful Gate on their Community Development programme, specifically in empowering local churches to respond to HIV and Aids
- Explore setting up a Lerato’s Hope Chapter in the USA, and perhaps making a trip to the USA
- Raise funds for our ongoing programmes
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