Casual Day to benefit babies
Celebrate together on 28 October
Cornelia Goses is a mother whose life changed for the better when the Hope for Life organisation became part of her life.“I was at a loss. I lived in a corrugated shack without power and had no food for my two children. I sent an SMS to Hope for Life and asked for help. They visited me and my mother’s sewing machine was on the table. Roslind said I should go to their office and then I could do alterations and repairs on children’s and baby clothes.
“That was a year ago. Now I have a job, my children have food and my daughter is in school thanks to their Send a Child to School project."
Hope for Life supports vulnerable mothers and their children.
According to Roslind Schlabitz, manager of Hope for Life, the organisation's latest project is a home and shelter for babies.
“We have been planning the house for several years and hopefully, it will be completed at the end of the year. There is a huge need for such a house. Many babies have to be forcibly removed from their homes, but there is nowhere to put them. The shelter will also have a baby box in which mothers can place their babies. We will hear if a baby is placed in it, then we can go take the baby out and take care of it.”
The organisation also donates clothes, blankets, baby diapers and food to vulnerable mothers.
“We want to help mothers to stand on their own two feet. We look at what skills they have and how we can help them use these skills to generate an income. We don't want them to rely on us for food every month; they must become independent.”
Around 700 women have already benefited from the organisation this year. At the moment 30 women receive support.
“We want to help when women are struggling. If the father has run away, or is still at school and cannot take care of their baby; if they don't have an income; no matter what the reason. We are not here to judge; we are here to help and support them.”
During this year's Casual Day hosted by Channel 7, money will be raised for the new Hope for Life baby shelter and baby box.
According to Magda Schlechter of Channel 7, Casual Day takes place on 28 October. “This year’s theme is ‘animations’, so everyone can dress up and enjoy the day while doing something good. We’re also selling dummy sweets for N$20 from 10 October.”
As is the case every year, the business and school that participates in the competition for the best dressed can win big prizes.
For more information, contact Magda or Carika on 061 420 850. – [email protected]