🌟 Cleone’s Story: Resilience, Heart, and a Life of Service
In 1997, Cleone’s life changed forever after a devastating car accident left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. But what could have been the end of her story was actually the beginning of an incredible journey.
Cleone has since spent decades proving that a courageous heart can truly make a difference.
A Dedication to Uplifting Others
Cleone channeled her experience and passion into education and community work. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Disability Studies and has dedicated her life to uplifting others in profound ways:
- Mentoring newly disabled women, offering guidance and strength.
- Teaching art as a powerful healing tool for children.
- Serving on various boards and community projects that create spaces of belonging, creativity, healing, and growth.
She describes herself as a “lifelong learner,” understanding that every interaction and experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn.
Cleone’s resilience, unassuming nature, and generosity have touched the lives of countless people, making her story a true testament to the power of the human spirit.
Lend a Hand: Supporting the Saartjie Baartman Centre
The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children provides a vital safe haven for women and children affected by abuse, and your support can make a real difference in the lives of those they care for. By donating, you help offer warmth, comfort, and hope to individuals in their most vulnerable moments.
We encourage you to learn more about the incredible work they do by visiting their official website: https://saartjiebaartmancentre.org.za/
Current Needs We Aim to Support
Your generous contributions can directly address these immediate needs:
- Warm Clothing for Children: New or second-hand clothes are needed. (Please refer to the accompanying gender and age list for specifics.)
- Blankets: New or second-hand single and double blankets.
- Non-Perishable Food Items: Staples that help feed the residents.
- Baby Essentials: Items like baby cereal, nappies, wipes, and formula.
How You Can Contribute
We encourage everyone to contribute what they can. Every item, big or small, helps create a more comfortable and secure environment.
There will be a collection box available at the Claremont office for all donations.
Let’s come together as a team to bring warmth, comfort, and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
Share the Magic: Donate a Book Today!
Do you have a book that inspired you or sparked a dream? Please pass it on!
We are thrilled to launch our new “Donate a Book” drive, bringing the joy of reading to those who need it most. Reading opens doors, sparks imagination, and provides an escape—and you can help share that magic!
How You Can Make a Difference
Look for the official blue “Donate a Book” collection box, now located in our office foyer.
The message is simple: Drop a book here and share the magic of reading – one book at a time!
We are collecting new or gently used books of all genres for readers of all ages. These donations will be sent to [Insert Name of Local Charity, School, or Literacy Program Here] to help enrich their library and educational resources.
What to Donate:
- Children’s Books (Ages 5-16)
- Fiction and Non-Fiction (Adult & Young Adult)
- Educational Texts and Reference Materials (in good condition)
The Power of Giving
By donating a book, you’re not just clearing space on your shelf; you’re providing a vital tool for learning, growth, and empowerment. Let’s come together to support literacy and inspire the next generation of readers.
Find the blue donation box at the office foyer and share a piece of the magic!
🏡 Our History: From Crisis Response to Specialized Care
The Founding Vision
Home of Hope was founded in August 2005 by Eleanor Brook. Inspired by her faith, her experience adopting children, and her own time spent in a children’s home, Eleanor was driven to harness her passion to provide essential support for children in desperate need of care.
The organization initially served as an interim ‘place of safety’ for children facing unimaginable circumstances:
- Abandoned and left to die.
- Violently abused, raped, hungry, and neglected due to poverty.
- Infected with HIV/AIDS.
- Born bearing the effects of excessive drug and alcohol abuse by their mothers during pregnancy.
Discovering the Need: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
A critical shift occurred when staff noticed that many babies leaving the care of Home of Hope would return after only a few months. This pattern led the organization to research the underlying reasons, ultimately discovering Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
It was found that many of the children exhibited the complex characteristics of FASD. As Home of Hope looked deeper into the disorder, they discovered a severe lack of resources, support systems, and solutions in the country.
A Critical Challenge: South Africa has the highest reported prevalence rate of FASD in the world, ranging from 29 to 290 per 1,000 live births. Approximately 85% of children with FASD come from unstable families, placing them at greater risk of abuse or neglect, which often results in their placement within the care system.
Evolving Our Mission
Based on the significant challenges in caring for children affected by FASD, Home of Hope has strategically evolved. We transitioned from being solely a ‘place of safety’ to providing a multi-faceted, unique long-term solution for the protection and specialized care of these children and young adults.
Today, Home of Hope is uniquely positioned to address this immense need in our country by offering dedicated, specialized support.
Current DZ rep: Sharon
🐾 About FOUR PAWS: Animal Welfare. Worldwide.
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organization dedicated to animals under direct human influence. We are driven to reveal suffering, rescue animals in need, and actively protect them.
Our History and Global Reach
Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, FOUR PAWS advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding.
Today, we provide rapid help and long-term solutions across the globe, operating with offices in 16 countries (including South Africa, the USA, and the UK) and running sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries. (As of 30.06.2022).
Focused Impact, Sustainable Solutions
Our sustainable campaigns and projects are focused on the animals who need us most:
- Companion Animals: Including stray dogs and cats.
- Farm Animals: Working towards better keeping conditions.
- Wild Animals: Such as bears, big cats, orangutans, and elephants, particularly those kept in inappropriate conditions or found in disaster and conflict zones.
We establish and operate sanctuaries worldwide, providing a species-appropriate, permanent home for wild animals rescued from abusive captivity.
Our Approach
FOUR PAWS takes a problem-solving approach, offering animals in distress swift and direct aid. Our ultimate aim is to achieve and establish changes in politics, society, and the economy that will benefit animals.
Our work is fundamentally based on:
- Scientific expertise
- Sound research
- Intensive national and international lobbying