This project formed part of OUTsurance’s Staff Helping SA OUT (SHSAO) initiative where staff members give back to the community, by volunteering their time or making a financial contribution. OUTsurance endorses this staff initiative by matching all financial contributions to a ratio of 2:1.
Why we chose Middelburg Care Village
Staff member, Verena Pretorius, nominated Middelburg Care Village and also acted as the Project Lead, ‘I grew up in Middelburg and I had friends who lived there.’
‘Middelburg Care Village is a child and youth care centre that offers a long-term residential place of safety and care for victimised, traumatised, abused and orphaned children.’
‘The care village always had a special place in my heart because they give children a safe environment to grow up in. Each and every child is special and needs a place where they feel safe and loved, and the care village is able to provide that for them.’
Pretorius explained that many organisations like the Middelburg Care Village face a big challenge of lack of sufficient funding. ‘Currently the care village relies on a government subsidy, which is not enough to meet all the children’s physical needs, let alone their emotional and spiritual support necessary to prepare them for the world outside the village. ‘This was a good opportunity to give the children new beds. The beds at the Middelburg Care Village no longer complied with the regulatory standards. OUTsurance staff donated custom-sized mattresses as well as bedding (colourful new comforters and pillow cases) and bath towels.’
Pretorius concluded, ‘A good mattress not only improves the kids’ quality of sleep but also improves physical and mental health. A child that is well rested is more alert and ready to learn during the day. With these new mattresses, the kids will get a sense of relaxation and security, and this will help improve their well-being.’
‘We are so proud to contribute to a cause that directly impacts the children’s lives. We believe that every child deserves a restful place to grow and thrive and we trust that this donation will make a tangible difference in their quality of life,’ said OUTsurance SHSAO Coordinator, Monica Coetzee.