Support needed: Food drive for staff at Helen Bishop Home in Kimberley

A food drive has been organised to assist the dedicated staff members at the Helen Bishop Orthopaedic Aftercare Home in Kimberley who have not received salaries since April, due to financial constraints.

These staff are taking care of 62 children with special needs and profound disabilities who require constant assistance and support for basic daily living. Staff members are on duty 24 hours a day.

Although a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the home and the Northern Cape Department of Health (DOH) was signed on Friday, 16 May, staff still do not know when they will receive payment.

The last payment they received was on 9 April, when they were paid for March.

Due to previous MoUs, the DOH paid a subsidy for staff support and administrative needs. The latest MoU signed will be valid for a year, commencing on 16 May. Still, when the first payment can be expected, is unsure. For the children, the Helen Bishop Home gets a subsidy from the Department of Social Development.

Most of the staff members at the home are the bread-winners of their families, with school-going children. They have to come to work hungry, knowing they cannot provide for their families.

They are assisted by the Helen Bishop Home as far as possible, but with the home’s limited income, it is a constant struggle for survival while proper care for the children with severe disabilities remains a priority.

Donations to support staff

To assist these staff members, an urgent request is made by the Helen Bishop Home management board to donate non-perishable food products, as well as any other items, which the staff can use to support their families.

“We are reaching out in a time of need. We kindly ask for your support to show them love and appreciation. These selfless caregivers work tirelessly to nurture our vulnerable children, often sacrificing time with their own families. Your kindness would mean the world to them,” the management board said.

• Cash can also be donated. Visit the Facebook page Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home for bank details.
• Donations can be delivered at the Helen Bishop Home at 34 Church Road, Utility, Kimberley. Alternatively, dial 053 831 2447.