News 2009

KFC CHOCOLATE DONATION

KFC made a large contribution of boxes of chocolates to Toti - boxes to be exact. Let me tell you, that is a whole lot of sugar. Andre Krugel and Shaun Sander made it a priority to deliver these chocolates. So over two consecutive days and nearly a 800kms later a large pile of chocolates were delivered. The extent of the distribution covered from Port Shepstone to Kloof.

The first stop in Sheppie was, Rheinhardts Place. This home caters for severely mentally handicapped children and adults. The home is run by a husband and wife couple who do not get any government funding and only relies on monies paid by the residents families, donations and assistance from organizations such as Round Table. The boys from Sheppie accompanied us to the home. Out of all the homes visited this was definitely the one that brought a tear to us all. It was absolutely amazing to see the happy and content faces even despite their disabilities. Our hearts go out to the occupants of this home as well as to the Rheinhardts for their dedication and passion in keeping this home running. I would encourage all Tablers to visit this home and see where they can assist. Well done to Sheppie for tackling this as one of their projects.

The next two days saw us visiting various other organizations that would benefit from these chocolates. One of the organizations we visited was the ICARE branch in Toti. Here we visited a rehab house for street children addicted to glue and other drugs. Here the kids do team building and learn discipline through song and dance. Some of the kids make it through the program, but sadly some run away after a few days and only to go back to the streets. ICARE are doing awesome work here to rehabilitate these kids. The chocolates were an absolute blessing in disguise as the sugar
content assists with the craving and addiction of drugs.

The following homes and organizations were visited over the two day period:

• Sinikithemba Project – a program run from McCord’s hospital caring for people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS providing education and other assistance where possible. Sinikithemba means “We give hope”

• Durban’s Children’s Home – provides substitute care to orphans and destitute children in need of care.

• Jona Vaughn – residential facility for profoundly learning disabled people, as well as the physically handicapped.

• Albert Baumann Frail Care – an aged home for the frail.

• Seed of Hope – a Christian based humanitarian program to address the HIV crisis within the Amanzimtoti communities.

• Bobbi Bear – a place of safety where sexually abused children can communicate their nature of abuse and ensure that justice is carried out

• Mother of Peace – a home for abused, orphans and HIV affected children. The home is funded through the Irish Catholic Church but still requires much more assistance.

• Ouma Marie Day Care Center – a long standing project of ours. Ouma Marie cares for kids during the day and only charges what the parent can afford. Many kids belong to domestic workers.

• Various other smaller community based homes, day cares and schools.

A big thank must go out to KFC for their generous contribution of these chocolates. These chocolates have brought joy to many faces in our communities.

AMANZIMTEXAS SALOON OPENS
Toti have been without a secure clubhouse for many years. We had our little wooden box which was plagued by numerous burglaries and not to forget termites. [Ed: Have you ever heard of Tanalised Treated Timber?] For the last two years Toti has jumped from a 41’er’s restaurant - to schools - to lifesaving club to - Tablers homes for their meetings. Those days are a thing of the past, thanks to Marty Lodetti from M-Projects. Marty was kind enough to donate a Park-home unit to us as a Clubhouse. We thank Marty for his contribution to Amanzimtoti. You have given us a HOME.

We recently celebrated our opening and had an attendance of 60+ Tablers. It was an excellent turn out and awesome fellowship was had by all. We thank all of you who attending the opening and making it a memorable day.