ELCYCC call to community as pandemic puts strain on finances to cater for more than 3,000 kids
As the Covid-19 global pandemic continues to threaten the country, the East London Child and Youth Care Centre (ELCYCC) has found itself in dire need of financial assistance to continue caring for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We are caring for 125 children in our residential programme.
“We also run a community project which provides supportive services and feeds 2,900 children and their families in disadvantaged communities namely; Ncera, Fort Grey, Overton, Duncan Village, Nompumelelo and Scenery Park,” ELCYCC worker Larne Robus said.
Robus said the centre was struggling financially with all the extra costs brought about by
the pandemic, which had added pressure to both their residential and community programmes.
“Funds are running low and we are faced with the predicament that it will be a struggle to cover our day-to-day costs this month.
“This is why we are asking the East London community to assist by contributing financially
or donating non-perishable food items to our organisation,” he said.
While the ELCYCC does receive funding from the department of social development (DSD), the National Lottery Commission, trusts, corporate funders and individuals, the current financial strain brought about by the lockdown has resulted in some funding having been
withdrawn .
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we have had to take on new costs such as hand sanitiser, three-layer face masks, multivitamins and forehead thermometers for staff members and children in care.
“We have also had an increase in our community- based beneficiaries.We will continue to provide services to the children in our care, as well as the families and children within the communities we serve,” Robus said.
For more information or to help, contact Larne on 083-530-2847 or e-mail him at:
elcyccfundsa@gmail.com
