With Mandela Day at South Africa’s doorstep – an occasion that sees thousands of donations passed on to those who need them most across the country – Jo Teunissen, the gears behind Durban-based NPO, The Baby Home, – has underlined a crucial message for those who are donating goods.
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In a recent Facebook post, Teunissen urged those who donate towards charities such as her NPO, a registered Place of Safety that cares for abandoned and orphaned babies, to be mindful of what items are being donated.
Teunissen’s plea was made after The Baby Home received a donation of children’s clothing that had been soiled with mould and bug nests.
“At the Babyhome, we rely totally on the kindness and generosity of the community, and we so appreciate each donation we receive. However, we sometimes receive donations that are unusable and not respectful and dignifying of the children in our care,” wrote Teunissen.
Charities and NPOs such as Teunissen’s rely on donations from the public. When donations are received and discovered as soiled or unusable, it affects the dignity of those in need.
“Every child deserves more than broken toys, mouldy clothes, or single shoes. They deserve items that are clean, safe, and usable,” says Teunissen.
“It is so disappointing receiving a donation of clothes that are stuck together with mould, or so dirty they have insect nests in them. We are given soiled underwear, single or broken shoes, expired creams and medicines and even things like dentures (yip, we even got some of those),” she added.
Supplied
Supplied
Jo and her partner, Bjorn, opened The Baby Home in Durban North in 2016. The NPO is a registered Place Of Safety that provides and cares for abandoned and orphaned babies and children.
The Baby Home relies on donations from the public, however, Teunissen urges donators to practice mindfulness when passing down their pre-loved items.
“Thoughtful donations not only meet our immediate needs, they demonstrate that we value and care for our children as precious individuals. Our kids matter and are worthy of so much more.”
With Mandela Day (observed on Thursday, 18 July) at South Africa’s doorstep, donators should think before chucking soiled, unusable or badly damaged items into the donation pile.
Pexels / Julia M Cameron
“We rely heavily on the community for donations but if your family can’t wear it because it is so damaged, how can another child use it? Our babies also deserve dignity and respect. I will never let them wear something stained or torn,” said Teunissen, as per the Citizen.
“We are already low on resources so to sort through all the things we can’t use takes a lot of time. We also have to then discard the items we can’t use. NPOs don’t have that manpower and it takes up a huge chunk of our time,” added Teunissen.
It stands true that organisations such as The Baby Home would not be able to survive without the kindness or generosity of those who donate, but a moment of mindfulness can go a very long way.
“We won’t be able to survive without the support of the community. Some clothes are washed and neatly packed in bags. Puzzles come in boxes and all pieces are there. Toys are still in good, working condition. We are most grateful for our community and would not survive without their support,” said Jo.
If you would like to be a positive component of change, visit The Baby Home on Facebook for a wishlist of 67 items to donate this Mandela Month.
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Feature Image: Supplied, Facebook / The Baby Home
