Spirit of love was key at Child Welfare fundraiser
With a current caseload of more than 150 cases for each social worker at George Child and Family Welfare, their tenth annual fundraiser tea at the prestigious Fancourt Hotel and Spa couldn’t come at a better time to raise awareness. The theme of this year’s tea held on Saturday 9 June was “Love is the key”, a powerful message taken to heart by the women of George who turned out in their finest to enjoy a morning of reflection, refreshments and reminders about unlocking their hearts and sharing the love.
Detailed table décor of handmade containers with keys, glass bottles with a hidden message and even serviettes stamped with an iconic key set the scene for a heartfelt morning.
Fully encapsulating the message of love, artist and teacher Anthony Noble stunned the audience with his masterpiece, a landscape painted in under half an hour with a housepainting brush.
Another highlight of the morning was a touching and enlightening interview with MC and media personality Chantal Rutter Dros and five of George Child and Family Welfare’s social workers. Witnessing and living first-hand with situations of child neglect, abuse and poverty, the women moved the room to tears with a stoic and passionate account of their cases. “We have seen a child’s life turn 360 degrees, just because she was shown love,” social worker Rachel said. “Love truly is the key”. Feeling their love, the audience paid them tribute with a standing ovation.
Trauma
Talented duo Danyca Wallis and Chris Wilson provided the musical backdrop with a perfect harmony of guitar and voice. Each song they performed was about love. Taking the theme further, guest speaker Joanne Kaschula, well known for her “After the Fire” trauma course in Knysna and her children’s book Lou-Lou and the Riddle of the
Magic Pearl, brought some personal insights with her workshop about unlocking love. The deeper feelings associated with love were also clearly demonstrated in the support shown by the local community. This year more than 200 sponsors came on board to generously donate to the auction, lucky draw prizes and goodie bags, thoroughly spoiling the 273 guests.
Levels of poverty are high
George Child and Family Welfare has been servicing the George area since 1926, making it one of the oldest welfare organisations in the country. Currently they have 11 full-time social workers. Chairperson Sue du Toit says levels of poverty are extremely high in some local communities.
“Anything you don’t use anymore can be passed onto families in dire need,” she said.”
We thank the people of George for coming together so generously to support us.”
If you would like to give assistance, contact Sue on 044 874 0424 or drop off your unwanted items at 13 Albert Street, George South.