Misinformation about the Retreat Maternity Clinic

Hello Everybody

The attached article was published yesterday, 21st April 2010 in The Chronicle.

This article implies that there has been no support to the moms and babies who visit the Retreat Maternity Clinic, and it ignores the fact that the Zoe Project has been operational there for the last 7 years.

We have been working for the past 7 years at the Retreat Maternity Clinic supplying the following services to the patients/clients there:
   Mom and Baby packs [consisting of panties, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, facecloths, soap, roll-on deodorant, a snack and cooldrink for the mom; and Baby grows, vests, nappies, baby products, baby blankets, hats, booties, toys, etc]
   A Dry-goods pantry [supplying food for the moms who deliver there as well as for the Kangaroo moms]
   A pregnancy workshop for moms-to-be
   Psychological and emotional support for the patients with trained counselors
   The services of a pro-bono psychologist
   Assistance in adoptions and follow-through with adoptions
   Assistance with placing women [with or without children] in safe houses where domestic violence takes place
   Assistance to moms who are in emergency situations with their children [short and long term]
   Staff team-building events
   Registration of births
 
I have brought it to your attention because the article assumes that the people mentioned in it has just realized this need and that nothing has been done about it.

They have started a fundraising drive based on established functions of the Zoe Project at the Retreat MOU and is assuming that it is their "brainchild".

Please rest assured, that we have no intention of withdrawing our continued support to those clients at the clinic, or of withdrawing our support for the staff who work at the clinic.

We will continue to do our work because we realize that the need is great, and our project has worked successfully for the last 7 years.

I thank you for your wonderful and loyal support thus far and know that we have your continued support.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any queries regarding this matter or any other matter about the Zoe Project.

Lots of love as always
Norah

Update March 2010

Hello Everybody

   What a wonderful time of year! Easter Holidays and being spoilt by spending special time with the children and family; enjoying the last days of summer and being privileged to live in Cape Town… We’ve seen the Argus happening and enjoyed watching the runners in the 2 Oceans’ Marathon. Well done to those of you who have participated and completed these endurance events.

I hope you’ve all had a blessed Easter and have remembered the true meaning of Easter.

A huge thank you to the following contributors…
Arlene Johannson, Dr Lara Smith, Marlene Helfrecht, Bronwyn Hopwood, Alexandra Fisher, Jane and Sebastian Dunn, Tara and Dave Dunn, Jo Dix, Sandy Schuurman, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sheena Hutcihngs, Anne Wilson, Rene Grimmbacher, Michael P., Donna Cobban, Melissa and Sally Harriss, Anna Johannson, Yolanda Parry, Harriet and Councilor Denis Joseph, the DA Women’s Network [DAWN], Colleen Sinclaire, Dalma Cherryll, the anonymous friends at the New Beginnings Clinic, Anonymous friends from Monterey Pre-Primary School.

Thank you for each contribution – I have said before that no matter how big or small, it does make a difference to those who receive the items you donate to the Zoe Project.

A Warning…

As you are all aware, we have never asked for monetary contributions for the Zoe Project. It has been brought to our attention that there is a group of people who are fundraising for the Zoe Project. We have not employed any person or persons to do this on our behalf.

Please ensure that if you do contribute money to any cause, that you know to whom this is going and that it is legitimate. You are welcome to phone me to clarify the names and positions of people who work on the Zoe Project.

Babies Born…

Well, March 2010 has turned our Cape Town statistics on its head because there were more boys born than girls at the Retreat Maternity clinic. 99 Boys and 89 girls!

Just when you think you know what is going to happen, nature changes things up side down.

Other news of interest is that only 4 of the babies born were to teenagers: 1 x 15 year old and 3 x 16 year olds. We hope that this is an indication that the birthrate amongst young girls will drop and that the average age of giving birth of 14 years old in the Western Cape, will change. We also trust that the campaign of using condoms and contraceptives is getting through to the younger [and older] generation.


Mom and Baby Packs…

Last month, we received the most gorgeous baby clothes, and again this month [thank you Yolanda, Melissa and Sally] we were pleasantly surprised with another kind donation of the most gorgeous baby items. We will be using this for our Christmas day babies.

In addition to these items of baby clothing, we have received beautiful mom and baby packs [thanks Donna and Rene]. Your continuous and loyal support of our project assists me in continuing to believe in the kindness and humanity of others.

The toys that are so kindly knitted [thank you Anna] by hands that cannot do other tasks bring joy to little ones who perhaps would not have a new toy otherwise.

And the lovely baby products which we will include in our baby packs – perfect size! [thank you Colleen].

I am gobsmacked at the kindness and selflessness that I see every month – people who give sometimes when they can’t afford to, and those who give because they feel it is all they can do.
Thank you for that.

Dry goods pantry…

Our pantry is feeding the number of moms who give birth overnight and those who stay for Kangaroo care. Every month the amount of people being fed is different, and every month the amount of food I receive is different – but it is always enough. Miraculously it fills the stomachs of those who need the food.

We are in desperate need of powdered milk to make 3 liters of milk per day; and we are in desperate need of bread [2 loaves per day] for the clinic.

Pollsmoor babies…

Most of the babies of mothers who are incarcerated at Pollsmoor Prison are born at the Retreat Maternity Clinic. In an emergency situation these babies are born at Groote Schuur Hospital, but most of the time the moms are brought to Retreat MOU along with their guard and they wait. Children do not ask questions and moms who are imprisoned do not feel less pain at giving birth. We live privileged lives and no matter who you are, your child is precious to us.

Support messages and encouragement…

Thank you to all who have sent messages of support and encouragement. It means a lot to me but it means so much more to the staff who work at the clinic.

Enjoy the rest of April and lots of love
Norah Papanicolaou
norah@xsinet.co.za