Alexandria’s Jehovah Jireh Children’s Home is in desperate need of donations and is appealing for help from the community.
The home was started by Molly and Neels Bam more than 30 years ago with no funding from the government. It is only through generous support of communities and donors that has helped them continue their work of supporting children in need.
The home is currently a permanent home to 66 children and 17 adults. The home’s costs for provisions for those being looked after are approximately R13,000 per week. This is spent on consumables, school supplies, nappies, baby formula and other items for the 66 children and 17 adults who are fed three meals a day.
“We have lost many sponsors since Covid and the high cost of living is impacting funding,” said Bam.
She told Talk of the Town that JJ Haven’s funds had run out and it was not able to afford the home’s weekly expenses.
“We are asking for all the help we can get as we are in desperate need. Things are extremely tough; we are in need of urgent assistance, especially with the ever-rising food costs. We are praying for a financial breakthrough for JJ Haven,” said Bam.
“We are not government funded, we used to receive money from American donors but after Covid that fell away. Even in the Ndlambe region some of our sponsors did not return after Covid, so our situation is desperate,” she added.
Bam said the haven was desperate to receive anything from the public as up to 70-children have to be fed and looked after. “Once a month we pay our volunteers “pocket money” just to assist them.”
“At the moment our lawns are being cut – also by volunteers; some of the cutters are children who once stayed at the home and are battling to find jobs,” said Bam.
Bam said if members of the pubic are wanting to donate clothing and food items these can be dropped off at 2 de Wet Street, Alexandria.
“And financial donations must be paid into a bank account – which the bookkeeper oversees and that is subject to an audit,” said Bam.
“Thank you all for your ongoing love and support. We are truly grateful for everything you do for the home. We have no words to express our gratitude.”
If anyone is willing to make a cash donation the Jehovah Jireh bank details are as follows:
Standard Bank
Branch Code 050917
Account no. 288147278
Swift Code: SBZA ZA JJ
Reference: Name of Donor
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, July 18, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays
