Cape Town - The South African Children's Home (SACH) ended its 214th birthday celebrations with a touching gesture, as it provided a warm cup of soup to 1 000 people experiencing food insecurity.
The SACH kitchen was a hive of activity on Sunday as the 44 children at the home joined in preparing the hot meal.
The soup was distributed to families living in 18 informal settlements in Philippi, which was made possible through a partnership with NGO, Beyond Feeding. The home also held a fun dress-up day and birthday tea with supporters as part of a week-long celebration.
The children also gave back to others in need, as they donated a portion of their own pocket money to a fund to help pay for the soup ingredients.
SACH Board chairperson Jalize Uys said there was excitement and anticipation over the birthday, and for the children, saving up some of their pocket money was a countdown of sorts.
“Getting involved in a soup drive like this shows them not just that there are other people in need, but also that they have the power to help others. This helps to de-stigmatise their experiences, roll up their sleeves and cheerfully give back,” said Uys.
Beyond Feeding representative Raeez Webber said it was an honour to partner with a like-minded organisation.
SACH is believed to be South Africa’s oldest charity, established in Cape Town in 1808.
It has continuously provided a home to the country’s most vulnerable children.
Uys said SACH operated on a budget of more than R6 million per year and only 35% was government funded.
“Not many people think about the huge costs involved in supporting a family with 44 children, especially during these tough economic times.
“SACH strives constantly to give our children the best start in life, facilitating schooling, providing nutritious meals, decent clothing and toiletries, healthcare and psychosocial support.
“Every month we face the high costs of food, clothing, laundry, transporting 44 children to 18 schools every day, and we have a significant liability when it comes to electricity and water,” said Uys.
To support the home or for further information, contact fundraiser@ sakinderhuis.org
Cape Times