Cape Town - Roughly six out of 10 children (62.1%) are multi-dimensionally poor, according to a report on child poverty in South Africa released by Statistics SA.
The Covid-19 pandemic impacted household incomes, resulting in increased vulnerability among children in our underprivileged communities.
The Love Foundation, an NGO, decided to take action to help alleviate some of the hardship felt by the most vulnerable on the streets and local organisations. It recently initiated its Spread Your Wings campaign to spread Christmas cheer amongst the less privileged.
Before schools closed for the holidays, Bergvliet Primary School responded to the call to join the campaign and held a civvies day, with children and staff donating toiletry items.
Each pupil donated one toiletry item, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and a toothbrush for a child’s wellness pack. They collected enough toiletries for more than 220 wellness packs.
In addition to the wellness packs, the foundation also received private donations to conclude its campaign.
The foundation’s Karen Heeger said: “A fundamental part of the work we do supports community organisations focused on making desired improvements to the well-being of children and women in underprivileged areas while caring for the most vulnerable.
“We believe that together we can impact the lives of these children for the better. We thank the children and staff of Bergvliet Primary School; your love and compassion is appreciated. We are looking forward to growing the Spread Your Wings movement to more schools in 2022.”
The wellness packs will be distributed in Cape Town’s disadvantaged areas on December 24.
To donate to the campaign, email Heeger at karen@karenheeger.com