STIMULATION NEEDED: Children displaced by hunger have very little to do at refugee camps in Somalia. South Africans are donating toys to help these children. Picture: Getty Images
Ina Skosana
South Africans have risen to the challenge to increase their contribution to aid for famine-stricken Somalia.
The Caring Women’s Forum (CWF), a local NGO, said they saw a gap in the efforts by Gift of the Givers (GoG), that they could fill.
Zaheerah Baham-Ismail, mother of three and CWF chairperson, said: “They (GoG) mentioned how the kids in the refugee camps were just sitting around with nothing to do, so one of our members suggested we do a toy drive to collect toys that we can send to Somalia.”
The From SA With Love toy drive started in early October and was initially meant to be for two weeks, but Baham-Ismail said the response was so strong that they decided to extend it until November 21.
“We have been completely overwhelmed by the response. Companies, schools and individuals have really put themselves out there. It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Baham-Ismail.
The toy drive is a call to South Africans to donate puzzles, colouring books, pens, pencils, crayons, stimulation toys and soft toys particularly teddy bears.
“Please ensure all toys given are new or in excellent condition. Second-hand soft toys are welcome. Everything will be given to Gift of the Givers for direct distribution,” said Baham-Ismail.
The UN declared famine in Somalia in mid-July 2011 with nearly half of the population facing starvation. Millions have been displaced by droughts and war. The famine has since spread into other parts of the Horn of Africa, such as northern Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. This is the first time since the 1980s that the UN had declared famine in the region. Children have been worst affected by the crisis, with more than 300000 suffering from malnutrition.
“You are dealing with an entire population with nothing left. Every child deserves to play and be stimulated; that is how they learn,” said Baham-Ismail.
“South Africans are very giving, especially around this time of the year, and their generosity is much appreciated. We are trying to fill a container that will go along with a shipment of goods. Gift of the Givers has taken over an orphanage in Somalia and most of the items will be utilised there.”
Toys can be dropped off at:
• Shell Glenhove Garage, Houghton.
• Gift of the Givers Joburg office, 43 Mint Road, Fordsburg.
• Gift of the Givers Warehouse, 22 Orchard Road, Bramley View.
• Gift of the Givers Pretoria, 595 Carl Street, Pretoria West.
• Fabric Fusion, Shop 1, Fourways
• Value Mart, Forest Road, Fourways.
• Sandton Islamic Association, 94 Coleraign Drive, Riverclub, Sandton.
http://www.thenewage.co.za/34653-1008-53-Give_a_toy_to_Somalia
inas@thenewage.co.za
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