MOTHERHOOD comes in many different forms and as foster mothers of the SOS Children’s Village in Port Elizabeth, each act of mothering takes incredible strength.
To celebrate these ‘everyday heroes’, Hungry Lion joined hands with the SOS Children’s Village to recognise those who work selflessly to improve the lives of South Africa’s youth.
These foster mothers recently received well-deserved pamper sessions, followed by a delicious lunch, to show appreciation for showering their foster children with unconditional love.
According to the corporate fund-raiser of the SOS Children’s Villages, Many Spies, they wanted to recognise and celebrate foster parents for the essential role they play in the development, healing, and success of the youth in foster care.
“We are so thankful to Hungry Lion for the part they have played to give back to these foster parents.
“As we celebrate foster parents today, we must keep in mind that while their job is an important one, it is certainly not easy. Foster parents not only face their own personal and emotional stress that come as part of the job, but many take on this role without receiving adequate training, support, and the respect they deserve,” Spies said.
Elsa Wynkwardt, one of the foster mothers, said that although she loved caring for foster children, the pamper day made her feel special and recognised. “I seldom have time to make myself look and feel beautiful because I always put the children’s needs first.
“I’m so blessed and thankful to everyone involved for making me feel special and appreciated,” Wynkwardt said.
For Zoneka Mtengu, a foster mother at the village, the treat was a chance to break away from her busy life and to enjoy being spoilt.
Mtengu added, “The pampering was so relaxing and I almost never get a chance to really relax and do something for myself. I always consider my children, but today I’m just so thankful for this spa day.”
SOS Children’s Villages is an international organisation working to protect and care for over four million children worldwide who have lost parental care, or who stand at risk of losing it. In South Africa, the organisation has eight villages throughout the country that provide a stable family environment for almost 800 children.
Tashalene Reid, chief marketing officer of Hungry Lion said, “These women give so much of themselves to provide a loving environment for their children and seldom take the time to spoil themselves.
“As a brand that is in the business of making people smile, we hope that this small gesture brings across our appreciation for what the foster moms of the SOS do to raise these children into model citizens.”
