Hand in hand with King's Hope
The long-standing relationship between PURCO SA and the King’s Hope Development Foundation is as strong as ever. The support given by the Foundation to the community – with the focus on HIV-positive people – is nothing short of miraculous in the face of huge adversity.
PURCO SA is proud to be associated with such amazing people, led by the indomitable Paster Kebelo Bahentse, Managing Director of King’s Hope.
Pastor Bahentse says the most recent donations from PURCO SA - totalling R20 000 in 2016 - was used in its entirety to pay staff salaries, because the people who do the work at the centre in Olievenhoutbosch in Gauteng are its most valuable asset. In fact, the 12 people who work there sometimes don’t get paid at all, but continue to do their jobs, against all odds.
It was appreciation for such important work that led PURCO SA to bring lunch to all the staff to celebrate Mandela Day with them for the past three years and to take them on a food shopping spree to stock the centre’s cupboards.
King's Hope provides essential catre to the community
Support groups are a major feature of the Kings Hope operation – for those with HIV, TB and addictions, as well as for families and single parents. Members of the groups who meet at the centre assist in tending and maintaining the vegetable gardens, which provide additional income. The intention is to increase the capacity of the gardens in order to sell vegetables commercially to raise more money for King’s Hope.
The Foundation also offers lunch to registered children who come to the centre after school with the consent of their parents.
Plans are being made to expand the community service offered to include a shelter for abused women and children, who are in need of education and skills as well as protection. Another important need that has been identified is for assistance to single parents to get maintenance through the courts for their children’s upkeep.
King's Hope needs your support
Pastor Behentse has asked PURCO SA to put out the word for donations of certain items needed at the centre, specifically food, clothes, toys, beds, linen, curtains and curtain rails, pots, crockery, cutlery, microwave ovens, kettles, buckets, chopping boards, rechargeable lamps, ironing boards, an urn and household electrical appliances.
Financial assistance is always needed to support the centre’s staff or provide patients with food or transport to access treatment. In pursuing sustainable income-generation opportunities, King’s Hope is looking for support in skills-building and resources in gardening and a car wash.
There is also a need for repairs to be done on various items at the centre, including toilets, doors, geysers, sinks and taps.
Volunteers are needed with specific skills and experience, such as nursing, business, drama and sports.
Anyone who can assist should contact Pastor Behentse direct at md@kingshope.co.za or find out more on www.kingshope.co.za.