Feb Newsletter 2021

NPO Number 002-213 / Tel: 033 387 4004

Back to school 2021

2020 had been a tough year for all, but at PCH, we soldiered on to 2021, with hope for a better and safer year. Preparations were underway as our children’s “long break” came to an end. Joy and laughter was the order of the day as some were going into high school and the little ones were starting their 1st year in the big school. January and February are normally the busiest times of the year at PCH as school preparations for 75 children is not easy, whilst we sort and distribute stationery and full uniforms to all. We extend our greatest gratitude to you for your much needed donations from stationery, uniforms, school shoes and school bags. Your contributions have helped us to equip our children to a greater extent for class!

Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home Turns 135 years!

Who was Miss Mary Elizabeth Cook?

Miss Mary Elizabeth Cook was born 1849 (Pictured above: Holding a baby).In her 30’s she worked at a local bookshop but some how wasn’t fulfilled, as her true passion was the love for children. It was then that in 1886 at the age of 37, with the help of Mr A .W Baker she set up a home for vulnerable children in Pietermaritzburg. The 1st home was situated at 264 Burger Street and it was bought with funds raised by the Rev. J. Smith and Mr A. E Loram. Ms Mary’s specialty was orphans and children who had been abandoned by their parents – these she fed, clothed and to a large degree, educated them as well. From her humble beginnings, she continued to faithfully serve our City’s children until her demise on the 07th of November 1893 at the age of 44 years. At the time of her passing she had 20 children under her care.

#Humble beginnings
#135 years of Grace

Find out more by visiting our Website
We will continue the journey in the March Newsletter 2021…
Don’t miss it.

Human Trafficking Awareness

The trade of humans for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation is one of the leading crimes around the globe. Each day is reported to have an extremely high number of children and women who are kidnapped to be sold into the slavery. It is only befitting that our own children become aware of this social ill and also learn of ways they can protect themselves. Unit one junior girls recently had a human trafficking awareness . They shared with the rest of the home the things you need to know about human trafficking as well as ways you can protect yourself. They also advised that it is better to walk in groups and never to give your personal details to a stranger.

It starts with you to create some awareness and teach your children whilst they are still young to protect themselves and others.

PCH Power

This segment is created to share our children’s success stories and how PCH played a role in molding them to be the individuals they are today.

This month we meet Kenan who joined PCH at the tender age of 9 years. He has always been a very humble child. He attended TPA Primary School. He then attended Heather Secondary school where he passed his matric in 2019 with 3 distinctions. In 2020 he took the year to study Theology and also re-write his math and physical science papers as he was not satisfied with his already excellent marks. This year he is enrolled to start with his studies in Environmental Science at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. This is a clear example of “it doesn’t matter where you are coming from, what matters is where you are going”. PCH continues to provide support and guidance to Kenan and wishes him all the best.

Flying PCH flag high.

The girls doing it for themselves…

Equipping children with new skills which in turn will enable them to adjust and adapt to the outside world is very important. Cooking and cleaning are some of essential skills that PCH has been teaching them. Children are different and each have different interests in life and therefore it is important that we create opportunities that will accommodate each and every child. Unit 4 senior girls seized the opportunity when they decided to spring clean their kitchen and then spoil themselves by baking cupcakes for all the children.

KFC-Add Hope

This initiative partners with over 138 beneficiaries to ensure that children are receiving a nutritious meal daily. Add Hope raises money through customer donations added at the till or on the Add Hope website, as well as donating a percentage of KFC profits as its own Corporate social responsibility.
This is how it works:
When buying a meal you simply Add R2 for Add Hope to your bill…
Donations are also made by KFC…All that donations goes to the KFC Social Responsibility Trust…who then allocates to suitable applicants
(This Campaign feeds nutritious meals to over 120 000 children every day in South Africa, and PCH is one of their beneficiaries)

Your R2 really does go a long way, and reaches us
to serve our children on a daily basis, so don’t hesitate to make your R2 pledge today!

PAYFAST

A reminder that our DONATE button on the website is now effective.
Yes, as a Donor you can make a cash donation in your own time, at your leisure.
Kindly visit our website on www.pch.org.za and select any amount you wish to donate.
You can use any Visa Debit or Mastercard for both Cheque and Credit Card options.
Your banking details remain confidential and that information will NOT be available to any one besides your yourself.
So please do feel free to support us through this easy and safe method of donating!

LITRES FOR PCH…DONOR ID: #509

Its easy: all you have to do is go to any participating BP, Engen or Caltex garage, fill up and notify the attendant of Litres for Education, providing them with our unique number #509 …..and 10c per litre goes towards PCH. The wonderful thing is that
you DON’T pay an extra cent more.
Just remember to say the next time you are filling up – Litres for Education #509.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE WORK WE DO
AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOURSELF