The Friends of Child Protection hosted their final comfort pack distribution of 2023 last Saturday at the Gardens Presbyterian Church.
Antonia Zechner, the chairperson of FCP, says they prepared 1075 comfort packs, which contain a soft toy, underwear or nappies, soap, a toothbrush and snack pack for children who are sexually abused.
“This is a smaller pack because another charity organisation has come on board and they are taking care of rural areas so that is making our jobs a little easier, and the provincial government is also supplying some of the Thuthuzela centres so they are also decreasing our load which is a good thing ,” said Ms Zechner.
“We’ve had our usual group of volunteers as well as about 25 from the Royal Portfolio and they have been with us for a few years so we appreciate their assistance. The next packing project will happen in February but we still have to arrange that with the church,” she said.
Marie Bliss and Isabella Da Silva, a project manager and an HR administrator at the Royal Portfolio respectively, were part of the volunteers.
“We are happy to be part of this project although it is for a sad cause,” Ms Bliss said.
“I love what this organisation does and it’s good to be part of such a community that comes together for such a difficult cause, but when you look at all the packs, at how many are created, it comes as quite a shock and it sits heavy on your heart but I’m grateful that this organisation is here for the children in need,” said Ms Da Silva.
