Local businesses bring cheer

KNYSNA NEWS - Two local businesses recently carried out a bit of welfare as part of their social responsibility, helping young and vulnerable children from disadvantaged communities in Knysna.

One of them is Southern Right Financial Solutions, that paid a visit to the Dorothy Broster Child and Youth Care Centre in Khayalethu on 1 December to spend some quality time with the children who are in its care.

Dorothy Broster is a childcare centre that provides care for 50 children, in the South African foster system, from birth to 18 years old.

The staff from Southern Right were given a tour of the premises, before getting to engage with children.

The kids were placed in groups with the staff and had some fun performing a few songs and dances. Thereafter everyone was treated to some cake, chips and juice.

"They said we are more than welcome to come again as the visit and spending time is worth much more than actual gifts," said financial accountant at Southern Right, Jowin Jacobs. "We could also see the children enjoyed it as some didn't want us to leave and a lot also asked when we will come and visit again, and they said we should do so soon."

The other business, Knysna Debonairs, on 2 December invited the children at Mama-Mia Crèche to visit them for their annual end-of-year outing. Founded in 2010, the mission of the crèche is to help those who don't have access to pre-school education due to financial constraints.

Good nutrition is one of their cornerstones, so two meals are provided during the day. They aim to break the poverty cycle through education and filling tummies is where they start.

Families that are unable to pay full tuition are assisted by finding sponsorship.

In an effort to help liven up their end-of-year festivities, the children were treated to some flatbreads made by Debonairs.

Despite the rain and wind, everyone had a good time. They were lucky to witness the start of the disability awareness march that departed from Debonairs.

Southern Right personnel with staff of Dorothy Broster, from left: Jowin Jacobs, Luciano Adams, Sibulele Djaftea, Rose Grootboom, Tanya Baadjies, Abegail Hardner, Yolanda Mbenyana and Lunga (surname not provided).