KNYSNA NEWS - The Christmas in July morning tea fundraiser for Up With Down's (UWD) at Cearn Hall in Leisure Isle, held on July 23, was a huge success. Fun was had by all, in the “true Christmas spirit”.
Our hostesses went the extra mile, decorating their tables with tinsel and Christmas flare. Thank you, ladies, the Knysna community have huge hearts, it is amazing. The great entertainment by the flower ladies from Cape Town and George, and the floral demonstration with a unique twist kept the audience laughing and having a great morning.
The tea was instigated by a very generous, warm-hearted lady, Andri Fouche. Andri fell in love with Samantha and JJ Rubin, who attend Up With Down’s (UWD) adult centre and stay at the UWD hostel.
Andri visited the UWD coffee shop in Blanco, George. This lead to Andri and Jan Fouche pledging themselves to work towards raising funds for an adult home for UWD. This is desperately needed in the Southern Cape, where there is a great shortage of special needs adult homes.
UWD has been going since 1998, starting with four children, and at present there are 34 learners. It caters for children and young adults with special needs, with ages ranging from five to 33. The ddult centre has nine young adults; next year there will be 15.
The adult home will be a "home away from home” for the special needs adults who come from all over the Southern Cape. At present there are two from Knysna and one from Plettenberg Bay staying at the hostel. But at some point UWD needs to separate the school-going children from the adults; and that is why we are needing an adult home.
This will allow our adults to live in a safe, caring, loving environment that will allow them to reach their full potential as human beings.
• Barbara , for the Christmas gifts for all the learners at UWD.
• Louise, Graham and Sonette for the technical and sound side of the morning.
• Fern – great photographs.
• All who donated time and money – and the special surprise auction.
• Fruit & Veg Knysna, for the hamper for our raffle, tickets still on sale. Draw will take place on August 16.
• Last but not least: Tony, Lisanne, Andri and Jan – the Knysna dream team for the adult home.
* For more information phone 044-870-8770 or visit www.upwithdowns.co.za.
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