The Foster Care department has been involved in a unique project

The Foster Care department has been involved in a unique project. American based group, Extra-ordinary Life aim to offer less fortunate children “extra-ordinary” opportunities, such as travel.

Their inaugural overseas trip took place in July and South Africa was the chosen destination. Ahead of their visit, 8 American foster children were each paired up with one of our foster children in order to start a “pen pal” friendship. The aim of the letter writing was to allow all the children to learn about other cultures and people.

Both groups were very excited to meet each other. The girls used the World Cup to engage in community service at the Jo’burg Child Welfare fanpark and got to know each other.

A fare-well tea was held at the home of the US ambassador last week, Mr Donald Gips on Thursday, July 15. The American children also had an opportunity to see some of South Africa and told JCW that their trip highlights included the Safari tour, Durban beaches and meeting new people. Both groups will continue to write to one another.

Artist community embraces Jo’burg Child Welfare

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

The Troyeville community came out in numbers to support Jo’burg Child Welfare at the weekend. The non-profit organization cares for abused, abandoned and neglected children and has done so since 1909.

Jo’burg Child Welfare is running a project entitled “100 doors of hope – new beginnings” to mark their centenary year and raise awareness about the work they do.

100 people have been tasked to take an old door and using it as a blank canvas, turn it into a magnificent piece of art. The doors will then be auctioned off later in the year in an attempt to raise much needed funds for the organization to continue with the vital work the do.

A group of 3^rd year fine art students from The University of Johannesburg together with the The Red Line Gallery set up an interactive “paint day” to promote the project and draw people from the artist community to come and paint doors.

Denis Becket, Eloise Cupido and Moshidi Motshegwa, are some of the personalities that came to get their hands dirty and support Jo’burg Child Welfare

A group of children from a place of safety in Hillbrow also joined in on the fun as did members of the community and other artists.  “The turn out was bigger than we expected” says Sally Rumball, a member of the UJ class. “We didn’t have enough doors for everyone to paint”

Carly Ritz, Communications Officer at Jo’burg Child Welfare says she was overwhelmed by the support and participation from the community. “The support from the gallery, students and community has been overwhelming. The campaign has taken on a life of its own as artists, celebrities and communities get more and more involved. I am so grateful.”

The doors are currently on display at The Red Line Gallery in Troyeville. 6 Roberts Gallery, Kensington, Johannesburg. The gallery is open daily from 10am – 6pm well worth a visit.

For more information about the door project please contact Jo’burg Child Welfare on 011 290 8501 or communications@jhbchildwelfare.org.za

5th Annual Decor & Design Morning - 17 March 2010

The 5^th Annual Décor and Design Morning took place at The Saxon Boutique Hotel on March 17 2010. The event was well attended and the highveld late summer weather held out so that a glorious morning was had by all in the tranquil setting of the hotel.

Juliet Newell of the Home Channel was the MC for the day and her personal charm and sense of humour ensured that the day ran smoothly.

Presentations made by interior designer Kim H, gardener Tanya Visser, décor specialist Wally Clack and cook book author Faye Lewis were insightful and informative.

The day ended with an auction and delicious lunch. One of the guests said “A special thanks to Jo’burg Child Welfare for all the hard work that they do and for informing us about and promoting a worthy cause indeed”

A very special thank you to The Saxon Hotel, Plascon, The Home Channel all other donors and our guest speakers whom without this day would not be possible. If you would like to be part of this wonderful event next year, please get in touch with us. 

Guests enjoyed the day thoroughly.  Click here to view a letter received from some of the guests.

Golf Days - February & March 2010

In February and March this year, JCW hosted two hugely successful golf days which raised a collective R335 000 towards supporting the vital services JCW provides to thousands of orphaned abused abandoned and vulnerable children in the Greater Johannesburg Area.

On 19 Feb WSP hosted a golf day at the Killarney Country Club which raised R1430 000. OTIS raised R192 000 through a golf day at Killarney Country Club on March 9.

JCW is extremely grateful to OTIS, WSP and the involvement and contributions of our guests and corporate clients towards making a positive impact on the lives of our children.

Local music band, The Parlotones will be performing at The Saint Andrews School for Girls - 27 November 2009

Local music band, The Parlotones will be performing at The Saint Andrews School for Girls on November 27.

 Jo’burg Child Welfare has been nominated as a beneficiary so get some tickets and support local music and

 our children at the same time. For more information please call 011 298 8501 or e-mail:

Family Day, Melrose Arch - 06 December 2009

Join us on December 6 at The Melrose Arch Piazza to celebrate our 100^th birthday!

Activities include: rock climbing, drumming sessions, pillow bashing, a sticky wall, jugglers and Santa Clause, a raffle with some great prizes, a fire show and a sunset concert. Come and cut birthday cake with us and release 100 balloons to mark this special occasion.

You can book tickets for the concert by clicking here

All proceeds go to Jo’burg Child Welfare

For more info please e-mail us at: communications@jhbchildwelfare.org.za

One man motor cycle tour to raise awareness on the plight of children in our Country - 23  September 2009

Thurston Sebotsane sets off on a one man motor cycle tour of SA’s 9 provinces to raise awareness on the

plight of children in our country and on Jo’burg Child Welfare’s child protection initiatives for 2010.

Thurston has named his tour "The Power of One:   When one small act of random kindness can have a ripple effect on a whole country".  Visit his blog at lungit@blogspot.com for more information about this initiative and for updates on his tour.

Do It Day Volunteers raise over R8000 for Nappies! - 18 September 2009

Friday 18^th September, was Do It Day, an initiative of Greater Good South Africa to mobilize thousands of individuals around the country to ‘do it’ for their community.  15 energetic volunteers hit the streets of Sandton and Hyde Park dressed up as babies and raised over R8000 to help JCW care for our growing number of abandoned babies.

JCW's Annual General Meeting (07 Sep 09)

Jo’burg Child Welfare held its 99^th Annual General Meeting on September 7 2009.

The guest speaker, editor of City Press Newspaper, Ferial Haffajee spoke about the challenges we face as a welfare organization and how the media can help shed light on these issues.

It was an emotional day on August 26 2009 when ABSA handed over a generous cheque to Masibambisane Centre in Eldorado Park. They also hand delivered blankets and other gifts to the grannies and care-givers of vulnerable children in the community.

ABSA’s generosity in the midst of the economic recession is inspiring and uplifting. We thank them for all their involvement and amazing work they do with Jo’burg Child Welfare

If your business would like to give back to the community please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Johannesburg Land Company and Summit Management Services and their generous suppliers have joined hands over the past few months to revamp Masibambisane, our day care centre for orphaned and vulnerable children.  

Approximately R10 000 was raised and a variety of items and services donated towards urgent maintenance needs and a dramatic improvement of the buildings. 

Thank you to everyone who dedicated countless Saturday morning hours towards making this very generous project such a success.  The improvement made to Masibambisane will go a long way in improving the services we offer, and the quality of our children’s lives.

A very heartfelt thank you to all suppliers and individuals for their time, compassion and generosity.

Donors include:  Johannesburg Land Company, Summit Management Services, Lemay Electrical Projects, Thermotec Airconditioning, Tedkaye Glass and Aluminium, C & L Wholesale Electrical, Gemcare Products, The cleaning Solutions, Hyper Paint, Kingdom Stationers, Brazer Plumbing.

The Johannesburg Child Welfare Society has changed its name to Jo’burg Child Welfare and has launched a bright, new logo. This is to mark our 100^th year of caring for children. At a recent launch at our Othandweni facility in Soweto, director Lyn Perry traced the journey of JCW from 1909 till today. Afterwards the children danced and sang in celebration of this milestone.

Throughout the journey the organisation has been influenced by the political, economical and social circumstances of each time-period. Despite a global recession in the 1930’s, an oppressive and unequal Apartheid government and the logistical reality of lobbying on behalf of Johannesburg’s children, JCW has since then kept its vision - to care for and support the abandoned, vulnerable and orphaned children of Johannesburg, their families and communities despite these challenges.

Looking ahead there are many more challenges to face. In 2010  we will need to prepare for issues such as child trafficking and pornography as the Soccer World Cup approaches.

We will continue to offer a connection of hope to the many children and families that we serve. Our new name and logo will carry JCW into the next era.

12 of our boys and girls spent 5 adventurous days on a rural farm at the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site.  The camp was a chance to engage in a life outside the walls of Othandweni and to experience once in a lifetime opportunities.  Activities included abseiling, hiking, camping and rafting, teaching the children valuable lessons of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, self responsibility and resilience. Click here to view pictures.

In March this year, JCWS hosted two hugely successful golf days which raised a collective R340 000 towards supporting the vital services JCWS provides to thousands of orphaned abused abandoned and vulnerable children in the Greater Johannesburg Area.

On 12 March, OTIS hosted a golf day at the Dainfern Country Club which raised R190 000. Five days later WSP Group Africa raised R150 000 through a golf day at Killarney Country Club.  WSP have committed to working with the Society in 2010 to raising money through another successful event.

JCWS is extremely grateful to OTIS, WSP and the involvement and contributions of our guests and corporate clients towards making a positive impact on the lives of our children.

The 4^th Annual Home Channel Décor and Design Morning raises R190 000 for the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society

Gauteng’s well-heeled ladies dug deep into their pockets to help raise R190 000 for the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society, at the fourth annual The Home Channel Décor and Design Morning, held at the Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa, on Wednesday 11 March.

A generous sponsorship of R100 000 from Plascon provided the platform for this exclusive event which features the inspirational top interior designer, Kim H; Executive Chef of the Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa, Rude Liebenberg and inspirational and indomitable entertainer, Nataniel.

Johannesburg Child Welfare would like to extend its sincere thanks to our sponsors, The Home Channel, Plascon and The Saxon Hotel and to the very generous guests for supporting our organisation to provide its vital service to abused, abandoned, neglected, orphaned and vulnerable children in the greater Johannesburg area.

McDonald's South Africa Makeover (13 February 2009)