BLOEMFONTIEN: The members of the Mangaung Retired Teachers’ Association (Mareta) in Bloemfontein made their contribution to the Nelson Mandela Day 67 minutes to service campaign by donating essentials to the Nazarene Hope Centre, a centre for children with autism, in Bochabela.
The organisation’s Outreach Committee identified the centre for its contribution to the annual Mandela Day initiative, which is celebrated on 18 July.
Essentials donated to the centre include groceries and blankets, as well as a plasma TV for the centre to use for the children’s entertainment.
Lele Buyapi, public relations (PR) officer of Mareta, said as is tradition of the organisation, members make different contributions towards ensuring the success of the organisation’s annual charity projects.
He said the goodwill initiatives are aimed at uplifting vulnerable members of the community, which includes children and older people.
He said they chose the centre due to its valuable service as a home for autistic children. Founded by Buyi Choene at her private residence in 2013, the centre is a beacon of hope for these children and is respected for its ability to provide much-needed care.
Depending mainly on state grants and contributions from private entities, 30 children are being looked after by a dedicated team of women caregivers, which includes the founder.
