The Webcom Group, an information communication technology (ICT) organisation that delivers end-to-end products and solutions, recently embarked on its own 'winter warmer' initiative, and delivered blankets and non-perishable food items to the Alexandra Children's Haven on Thursday 18 June 2009. The company has been assisting this shelter since 2004, as part of its corporate social investment (CSI) programme.
The Alexandra Children's Haven runs a feeding scheme and provides community services for the social upliftment and welfare of families and children affected by poverty and HIV/Aids in Alexandra Township in Gauteng. The shelter was started by Portia Mongake 10 years ago, and has grown to include 10 volunteers that assist in looking after the children, most of them orphans, by providing food and basics such as clothing where possible.
However, every day is a struggle to obtain the necessary donations to feed the 500 children that the Haven cares for.
Mongake explains the challenges the Haven faces: "We were recently forcefully removed from our shelter and now have to operate from much smaller premises than before. To make space, we had to leave some of our appliances outside, which were stolen. When it rains, water runs right through the Haven and in winter it is extremely cold. We rely solely on donations and handouts to feed the kids, and provide soft porridge in the morning and sandwiches and fruit at lunch (when possible). Lunch often serves as supper for the children, as many come from child-headed households, or have bedridden parents who can't support them."
Says Jacky Stapelberg, who is part of Webcom's CSI committee: "Alexandra Children's Haven is an initiative that we've always felt strongly about and understand that the impact of HIV/Aids on children who are not able to fend for themselves is devastating to communities. We have supported Portia and the children for the past five years and as we move towards the colder months, felt that we needed to make more of a difference this winter, by easing the burden faced by Portia - fondly known as Mama Africa - and her children. Webcom employees all contributed generously to this cause and participate fully in our CSI initiatives."
Each year, Webcom arranges an annual Christmas party for the children of Alexandra Children's Haven, and all staff contribute with gifts, packing them and delivering with treats to the Haven in December. Concludes Glen Miller, CEO at The Webcom Group: "Our reward is the smiles on the faces of these kids who get so much joy from 'gifts' we sometimes take for granted. It leaves us all with tearful eyes and lumps in our throats, but we know that we'll be back again to make a difference."
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