“THE alarmingly high unemployment rate and substance abuse, which is an enormous problem in our area, as well as the negative impact of COVID-19 are the main contributors to the escalating case load of vulnerable people needing help from us.”
This is according to Susan Kammies, a social auxiliary worker at the Christelike Maatskaplike Raad or Christian Social Services (referred to as CMR) in Kariega.
The CMR Kariega has since 1946 been providing vital child protection, family preservation and statutory services to the most vulnerable in its community.
According to Kammies, through her 17 years of involvement with CMR in the community, the same social issues still apply, but the number of vulnerable children and people has increased drastically.
“A major concern is the fact that many parents actually use their social grants to buy liquor and/or drugs instead of food for their children. This results in the extreme hunger of the children that is currently experienced.”
The CMR is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) registered with the Department of Social Development. Although the CMR receives a subsidy from the Department, they rely heavily on the much-needed support of funders and donors like companies, trusts and the public to overcome the shortfall.
“We are desperately in need of food parcels and nutrition for babies and people living with HIV/Aids. Before the Corona virus pandemic, we held fundraising events to buy food, but owing to the lockdown regulations we are not allowed to host any of our events, thus we do not have the needed funds to buy food,” said Kammies.
CMR Kariega together with the Department of Social Development, Uitenhage Child & Family Welfare Society and Share KwaNobuhle serves the greater Kariega area, each in designated areas.
- For more information or to drop off food parcels, visit the CMR Kariega office at 41 John Street or contact them on 041 922 9004.
