‘Warm and fuzzy’ winter donation

The Pretoria News has joined hands this winter with Pen to improve the lot of the disadvantaged in the capitals inner city.

The Pretoria News Project Warmth has joined hands this winter with Pen (Participate, Empower, Navigate), an NGO which works to improve the lot of the disadvantaged in the capital’s inner city.

The inner city is one of the most densely populated areas in Pretoria. Sadly, many people who flock there from rural areas in search of work, end up sharing a one-room flat with 10 or more people where there is often a shortage of food and income.

Amidst these hardships, says Pen, it is often the women and children who suffer the most. Family structures disintegrate and moral standards drop.

Basic needs, such as food and clothing, become luxury items and services such as education for children, only a dream.

Through full-time social workers and part-time helpers Pen assists families through food parcels and other services. About 30 000 meals are prepared a month across its programmes, ensuring that most children and adults have at least one good meal a day.

This time of year Pen needs blankets and warm clothing to assist the underprivileged.

Pen operates Pennies Nursery School in the inner city and Sun Sparrows Nursery School, in Sunnyside. Balanced meals and snacks are provided for the children.

In addition, 17 struggling inner city nursery schools are assisted through Pen’s training and resource development and other support.

Pen also runs a wellness programme which focuses on providing basic needs.

Floodgates, the clothing store, gives used clothing for free under particular circumstances, or at a nominal price to residents in surrounding areas.

Pen provides subsidised, low- cost housing and the residents are, in some instances, also provided with meals.

The NGO identified the need for a shelter for the men roaming the streets in search of recyclable items.

Sediba Hope Medical Centre has qualified staff who are able to treat minor illnesses, supply and monitor medication and do referrals. The clinic also has a doctor on site.

About 100 patients a week are supported in their homes or at shelters with feeding, washing and dressing, medication monitoring, wound care and other support.

Pen also runs several homes of safety for children who are either rescued from an abusive family situation, orphaned due to HIV/Aids or are refugee orphans.

These children are placed in the formal education system and receive the necessary therapeutic and psychological assistance.

*If you would like to make someone else’s life a little warmer, make a donation to the Pretoria News Charity Chest, Standard Bank, Library Gardens. The account number is 000 733 091 and the branch code is 001005. Mark your donation as Project Warmth. Or you can send a cheque to Pretoria News Project Warmth, PO Box 439, Pretoria, 0001.