An organisation that provides a temporary and immediate place of safety for babies in Sea Point is in need of help.
The founder of the home, Marilyn May, said they have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Established in 2010, Atlantic Hope is a safety house for vulnerable babies, providing temporary and immediate placement within a safe and loving environment.
They provide basic developmental, physical and mental care. Medical needs are prioritised, and babies are fed, kept warm, and given affection in a stable environment.
Ms May said things were going well in the organisation until the “unseen enemy’ – Covid-19 happened.
“Our NPO has been hard hit due to Covid-19 and the resulting economic spin-off. We used to receive donations from private donors, corporates and trusts, however ever since the first lockdown, things have changed,” she said
She said some private donors who were supporting them lost their income and the corporates were hard hit by the lockdowns.
She said while they have a full set of volunteers and equipment to care for the children, they are struggling to run admin operations. “We need funds to be able to pay staff salaries, electricity, rent and internet.”
She said they are committed to continue helping the most voiceless members of society and want to keep their doors open and continue taking care of abandoned and vulnerable babies in the province.
She said the organisation recently helped a young childless couple adopt a baby girl from the home.
“Seeing them happy to finally have a child they’ve been longing for warmed my heart and this is why we’re doing what we’re doing. Donations towards child protection services make an indelible mark in helping the most vulnerable and voiceless members of society,” said Ms May.
SA Children’s Home fundraiser, Zulpha Buziek, said while things have also been extremely difficult for them, people have reached out to help.
She said donations don’t have to be monetary as they had people donating much needed personal safety products including sanitisers and masks, as well as food.
“We’ve realised that in times of crisis, people do give. Things have been difficult yes, but it’s not all doom and gloom. People reach out and give and I believe that it was the feeling of togetherness because we’re all in this together.”
She said corporate funding was a challenge because companies directed their funds to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and everything else that’s needed during the crisis.
To lend a hand to the Atlantic Hope, click here or SA Children’s home.
