PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay restaurant patrons made a significant difference in the lives of Bitou children this year – R5 at a time.
Local charities Masizame and Bitou Family Care were the recipients of R50 000 and R20 000 respectively, towards their running programmes for vulnerable children.
The funds were handed over by StreetSmart SA to the beneficiaries at The Med Seafood Bistro on 30 November.
StreetSmart SA is an organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable children rebuild their lives – through donations from partner establishments.
Masizame offers food, a shower, life-skills training, mentorship and guidance to street children.
This is followed up by intervention services with the goal of helping children to reach their full potential and become responsible contributing members of their communities.
The StreetSmart donation will go towards the salary of a family reunification worker in 2018.
One of the functions of Bitou Family Care is providing support and supervision for community-based foster care for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children.
It helps establish and support homes for up to six children, run by a dedicated, well-supported caregiver.
The StreetSmart funds will be used towards social worker supervision in 2018.
“We are thankful to be supported by StreetSmart. It really makes a difference,” said Bitou Family Care’s Elisabeth Wenz.
An example of how initiatives like these have changed the lives of children, Wentzel said, is that of an eight-month-old boy who was found dumped in bushes next to the N2 several years ago.
“He arrived in the foster home a fragile little boy. Today he is a lively young man of six who is starting Grade 1 in January,” she said.
Masizame's Brenda Wall (left) and Mike Scholtz (right) with StreetSmart SA chair Melanie Burke at the handover of a R50 000 cheque on 30 November. Photo: Michelle Pyper
Then there is the case of the young girl who was sold for prostitution by her parents, Wenz said. “When she came into the foster home she was very vulnerable and depressed.
"Today, a few years later, she is a healthy and strong young woman.”
There are currently five restaurants in Plettenberg Bay that have embraced StreetSmart’s vision to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children.
Funds are raised by diners voluntarily adding a donation of R5 or more to their table's bill.
“Several of our StreetSmart restaurants have felt an economic pinch in general, and in particular, due to their commitment to fundraising efforts to assist with local fire relief victims which was a priority this year.
"However, those that were able to stay on board have been very active and continue to raise funding and awareness of the StreetSmart Plett initiative," said StreetSmart Plett coordinator Patty Butterworth.
Ice Palazzo, Nguni Restaurant, The Fat Fish, The Med Seafood Bistro and The Pie Shop are the participating restaurants in Plett.
“Through the generosity of our restaurant partners and other supporters we are able to continue to expand our national footprint, in spite of tough economic times," said StreetSmart SA chair Melanie Burke.
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