KIMBERLEY – The Helen Bishop Orthopaedic Aftercare Home, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is home to more than 60 children with special needs and profound disabilities. They require constant assistance and support for daily activities, with staff members on duty 24 hours a day.
Reflecting on 2025, Chrissie Damons, facility manager, and Evette Lucas, administrator, are pleased that more awareness and outreach activities were possible.
For the first time, Helen Bishop participated in Casual Day, which was a great success. Some of the children took part in a Valentine’s Day event, a nappy run with Kgosi Galeshewe Athletics Club and Ekhaya Private Hospital, the Diamonds and Dorings Big Hole Marathon, a visit to Yonder and the William Humphreys Art Gallery. Also, more visits and donations from school groups and police officers took place, and projects such as Mr and Miss Diamantveld had a positive influence.
A big improvement came from the painting of wards, new curtains and the painting of an outdoor area made possible through Anglo American PLC’s Ambassadors for Good volunteer programme.
The managers are looking forward to the completion of a computer laboratory made possible by donations, and the arrival of gap-year students from the Netherlands.
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Big challenges remain fundraising and irregular payments of subsidies for staff salaries, leading to low morale.
For the coming year, there is hope that the municipal water meter will be sorted out.
“What we also hope for in the new year is better security, and to be able to play music over an intercom system,” they say, emphasising their intention to repeat this year’s outreach and awareness activities.
There is also a wish to repair the aqua spa for therapy, and to get another therapy horse after Biscuit, a faithful companion for the children, died.
Christmas Carol evening presented
On Thursday 11 December, Helen Bishop Home presented a Christmas Carol evening. It was an evening filled with joy, music, and the true spirit of giving. A marimba band and choir performed, with a local pastor taking part.
For R15, the public could order a personalised name tag to hang on the Remembrance Tree. Four children of the Helen Bishop Home died during the year, and their names have also been place on the tree.
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As entry to the Christmas Carol evening, a toiletry item for the home’s residents was required. This could include a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, body and face lotion, talcum powder for the older girls, deodorant, and more.
Visit the home at 34 Church Road in Utility, Kimberley, and dial 083 286 4222 or 068 287 0391 for more information.
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