Heart to Heart still serving, giving hope

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Delivering a sustainable service to the community amid the Covid-19 pandemic is a challenge.

This is a difficult reality many people never thought they would have to face, especially for a non-profit organisation such as the Heart to Heart Care Centre.

"The centre is, therefore, first and foremost, grateful to friends and family who support us either financially, by volunteering, by donations of gifts or through prayer,

"Without you, we can't do it," says Samantha Boesak of Heart to Heart.

Thanks to this support, staff were able to think "outside of the box" to continue serving the community effectively and safely.

"From the beginning of lockdown we were able to distribute 155 emergency food parcels, 35 electronic shopping vouchers, 33 toiletry sets, 19 school uniforms, 16 baby hampers and much more, including winter clothing, blankets, toys and hundreds of masks, thanks to our generous donors."

This year, Heart to Heart started with new projects, with bountiful hope in their hearts.

One was Powerup, aimed to empower schoolgirls to become the best version of themselves, by giving them counselling, support and guidance and caring for them holistically.

"The programme is targeted at the Grade 12 girl who doesn't necessarily have the support, funds or self-determination to make a success of her life. With our support and guidance we wish to empower her with the skills and knowledge to step up in life."

Heart to Heart also continued with its literacy hour programme at Imekhaya Primary.

"We are eager to change the lives of our selected Grade 3 students through literacy. Sadly 70% of the students tested are in need of literacy intervention, but due to a shortage of volunteers we can only assist 30% of those students."

To get involved with this initiative, contact the Boesak, who is also the Literacy Chapter manager for a site visit and information session.

Pop-up shop
Restoring hope among the communities of Mossel Bay will always be the drive of the Heart to Heart Care Centre.

Therefore, it has partnered with New Life Church Women's Ministry to start a fundraising initiative, called the Heart to Heart Shop.

This project is aimed at helping child-headed households, widows and the homeless. The initiative takes the form of a pop-up thrift shop where people can buy "pre-loved" clothing at bargain prices. The next pop-up shop will be Saturday, 24 July from 09:00 to 12:00.

"We invite you to come shop or drop off good condition clothing in support of this fundraising initiative. Remember to keep an eye on our social media platforms for when the next one will be."

For more information on how to get involved, donate and support the Heart to Heart Care Centre, call 044 693 0828 or email admin@heart2heart.org.za or ec@heart2heart.org.za (literacy). Also visit Facebook: Heart-to-Heart Care Centre South Africa Heart2Shopmb or Instagram: heart_to_heart_mbayHeart2shopmb.

Powerup is one of the new initiatives run by the care centre, focused on Grade 12 girls.