Today, as we reflect back on the unconditional support that our many old and new friends have lent to HFL over the past year, we are struck by the significant accomplishments that have stemmed from your generosity. While we have reported on many projects HFL has contributed to such as the building of a home for a mother and her 8 children; assistance with the community garden; new roofing for an asthmatic family; seed money for self sustaining work for the women in our support group and of course, food, clothing, books for our Vhutshilo Mt School children and families, we have yet to share with you the latest crisis and HFL’s response.
As you know, 99% of HFL’s donations go directly to support our causes. We leave a very minimal amount in the HFL bank account to cover normal fees for which all non profits are responsible. As we approached the end of 2009, our coffers were quite low when we received a generous and timely donation from Germany. This contribution couldn’t have come at a better time for just as this donation came in we got a desperate e-mail from Suzi, director of the Vhutshilo Mt School, requesting our assistance with a former Vhutshilo Mt School student named Thendo. The following are excerpts from her e-mail:
“ ….our Thendo got very ill. We got a call from his school, went to his house and rushed him to casualty. He weighed 11.5kgs!! (25 lbs) and looked like an old man. The Dr. does not understand the problem. Some of the children seem to have a late reaction to the drugs and he could not stop vomiting….we arranged to have him transferred to Constantia Hospital in JHB (Johannesburg). Elias Nengwenani (bless him!) drove him and the goggo (granny) down. Our problem is that the school is having to cover all the costs of her stay and it could be a while. We don’t have this sort of budget in our outreach programme. It costs approx. R40 for her transport to the hospital, R100 for her accommodation and then approx R40 for her food. When he is well he will need to get back, which might mean a taxi if I cannot get away (to pick him up). Another R500 ! Is there any way HFL can help? At this stage we are not sure how long he will be there. I feel terrible because we should have checked on him more often….but it is less easy to personally oversee all the problem children. Some are slipping through the cracks!! PLEASE see if you can help……”
Once again, because of your generosity, HFL was able to immediately respond and the money was wired the same day.
Finally, HFL was pleased to be able to contribute to honoring and recognizing the 33 Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program volunteers. In the past 12 months TVEP has assisted 445 survivors of rape (20% children), 1285 survivors of domestic violence (2% children), and 40 people impacted by HIV/AIDS. Their workshops and campaigns have empowered 110,893 people on their rights and responsibilities pertaining to matters of gender and child violence, and reached another 950,000 through radio. HFL is proud to have supported this worthwhile organization and its volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and skills for the betterment of their communities.
You, dear Friends, are making a difference! Thank you! We wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!
