The Zoe Project Update June - July 2011

Hello Everybody

Thank you to everybody for the messages of well-wishes since our last newsletter. While I may not have sent out an email appealing for items, we have had many people contact us with very generous donations. Each item received, no matter how big or small has been put to use and is so much appreciated.

Thank you to the following contributors:

Dr Lara Smith, Bronwyn Hopwood, Marlene Helfrecht, Rene Grimmbacher, Michael P., Arlene Johansson, Anna Johansson, Willem and Denise van Bergen, Sharon Wewege, Heather Mylne, Sandy Schuurmans, Annette Milner, Pam Cable, Diane Maw, Sue Lotouf, Ronelle Van Rooyen, Jenne McIver, Gillian Everdij, Fiona Boyd, Janine Taylor, Gillian Key, Leisha Davies, Shelly Hindmarch [JDI], Tracy Le Roux [JDI], Genevieve Le Cordeur, Julie Bird, Deanne Gordon, The Mount Nelson Hotel, Nompilo Ndlovo from the Wheat Trust, Newlands Lions, Rene Sale, Val Turner, Constantia Garden Club, Gary Kruger from Pick ‘n Pay Steenberg, Heather Booysen and pupils from Claddagh dance Studio, Christel Swart, Dr Leaver and our Anonymous friends from the New Beginnings clinic.

A special thank you and mention to Diane, Sue, Ronelle, Jenny, Gillian, Fiona, Janine, Gillian K, Leisha, shelly, Tracy, Genevieve, Julie and Deanne for your very generous donation of 40 mom and baby packs and the food for the dry goods pantry, and the hard work getting everything together. It was overwhelming for me to collect the items from you, Diane and to see just how much love and effort went into everything you ladies did. I know the moms and babies who will receive these items will be overjoyed! Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

To Pam Cable and your group of friends – thank you for the lovely knitted items. Again, they are treasured and especially since they’re hand-made by you.

To Annette Milner and the Pregnancy Crises Centre in Muizenberg who has had to close down recently, thank you for sharing with us. You know the work we do and just how much each bit is appreciated.

Nompilo Ndlove from the Wheat Trust – thank you for the toiletries and baby soft toys.

The Lions Club of Newlands, Val Turner – we have been receiving fresh food items from them the last 3 weeks and the fresh vegetables are used in our soups.

Rene Sale and friends – thanks for the washed and ironed and sorted clothing.

Constantia Garden Club for your donation of baby grows.

Gary Kruger from Pick ‘n Pay Steenberg – thank you for the boxes of food and toiletries.

Heather Booysen and pupils from the Claddagh Dance Studio for the donation of blankets, and Christel Swart for the huge donation of baby goods.

As you know, it is not possible for me to write individual thank you notes to every contributor and this newsletter which is sent far and wide, is actually a tribute and a thank you to all our contributors as well as an update. This newsletter has singled out a few of our contributors but every single contribution is valued by us and every single person or group who has contributed, is appreciated.

Thank you all for making a difference in the lives of so many people!

News from the clinic:

We have had 3 adoptions in the last month and we’re happy to say that both the biological moms, babies and adoptive parents are doing very well.

Babies Born:

I do not have a figure of babies born for the last 2 months. The average amount of births is ± 200 babies per month with usually boys outnumbering girls.

Woman’s Day:

We have just celebrated Woman’s Day on the 9th August. Women are the people who drive the world and make things happen. Someone once told me about the ‘international sisterhood’ – not a registered organisation, but rather a recognition, internationally of the difficulties women face but also the strength they have of overcoming most difficulties; and of helping one another. I guess you are all part of this recognised international sisterhood!

Second hand clothing and linen items:

The items in the mom and baby packs are only brand new items. As I have mentioned in the past, we work with safe houses and baby houses who help some of our ladies from domestic abusive situations and help with adoptions of our babies. The items of second hand clothing and linen, etc is given to them to help start up these women and children who have nothing when they leave these domestic violent situations. Any 2nd hand and used clothing that we receive, along with bedding, curtains and other linen is therefore given to them. In addition to this, we have a person working in Masiphumelele, assisting families who have nothing or have lost everything. Some of our items go there too.

The need is great. And it is difficult to help absolutely everybody, but we remain focused and ensure that all goods go to those who need it most.

Please feel free to contact me to collect for the Zoe Project, or should you have any queries, please email me.

As always, lots of love

Norah Papanicolaou