Trip to the Coast

Ten staff and three volunteers took 40 of our children to the coast for a weekend in April.  They were accommodated at a facility especially devoted to hosting groups of children.  Apart from the adventure of getting there, the children (and staff) had an amazing fun-filled weekend with lots of activities, swimming in the pool and the sea and lots of treats.  Our sincere thanks to donors for making this awesome outing possible.

Easter 2010

Our children enjoyed the gifts of Easter, including many eggs and treats.  We are very appreciative of the support from our community and internationally and to know there are so many who wish to help those less fortunate.

Donations

We are so grateful to all our donors and benefactors.  Whether it be assistance in the form of money or a gift in kind, it is so welcome.  We have been fortunate to have been selected by several stores in Mthatha as the recipient of surplus stock.  Their generosity has been overwhelming.  And the basics such as a bag of apples, a box of Vaseline, some good used clothing are equally as precious to us as the larger gifts.  Our heartfelt thanks again, on behalf of the little people of Bethany to all the individuals, families, communities, church groups, organisations, businesses, who have helped us, both within South Africa and overseas.

Departing Volunteers

Two of our volunteers leave in May.  Stefanie Schuler from Switzerland and Joanne Lentfer from New Zealand.  Joanne has been a volunteer at Bethany for almost three years and remarks “It is very hard to leave.  This has been a most rewarding assignment.  I hope my contribution to Bethany has added yet another building block to those placed before me and those still to be added to ensure a strong organisation able to give of its best to the children in our care.”. 

Improvements

We have recently laid paving stones in our “littlies” garden.  We were having trouble getting the grass to grow, so this solution means we now have a very practical, usable space for our day room toddlers and small children to enjoy the slide, paddling pool, sandpit, and other play equipment.

Our next big project is re-painting the exterior of the Home. 

New Banner

Bethany now has a banner thanks to the support from one of our donors!  This wonderful banner depicts our children in their various developmental stages with drawings and hand prints.  The banner can be dismantled easily and fits into a carry case for easy transportation to meetings, events, etc where we want to promote the Home and our work and service.