The Diep River Community Police Forum (CPF) has launched a fund-raising campaign for Wynberg-based child protection agency Badisa.
The child-protection NGO does not get a full state subsidy and has to raise about R400 000 annually, says Diep River CPF chairperson Fiona Schwimmbacher, who is also a board member of Badisa Wynberg. Badisa helps children who are being abused, exploited or abandoned. It also helps with adoption in some cases.
In emergency cases, Badisa has to provide the child with baby products, food, stationery, clothes, school uniforms, toiletries and more. Among those who have been helped over the 2019/2020 period are 168 abused children, 53 sexually abused children, 314 neglected children and 53 abandoned children.
“Wynberg Badisa works very closely with SAPS in terms of children’s safety,” said Ms Scwimmbacher.
Juanita Beukes, Badisa’s social services programme manager, said they serviced the southern suburbs from Mowbray to Westlake. “The need is high as we serve a big area and have lots of court cases,” she said. While walk-ins had declined due to Covid-19, children living on the streets had increased, she said.
The Diep River CPF will be holding two raffles until Wednesday June 16. Tickets for the luxury hampers are R10 and the beauty treats are R20. For details, call Badisa at 021 761 2671 or Diep River CPF chairperson Fiona Schwimmbacher at 082 350 9647.
