Mooncoin man's 20 years of charity work in South Africa townships

This week John and his wife Margaret are in South Africa. It’s John’s eight visit to South Africa.
With the demise of Catholic Welfare and Development the Irish group linked up with Elkana Childcare and all their fundraising goes to them.

On their trips to the centre John and his wife like to treat the girls, bring them fresh fruit and sweets, and bring them on trips to the beach.
The centre offers short-term care and the girls go to school locally, have psychological assessments and medical care.
The local charity sends R50,000, the equivalent to over €2,000, every quarter. With the current exchange rate John said they get good value for their money.

The charity’s fundraising is streamlined - “the money leaves our pockets, it’s transferred to Bank of Ireland in Carrick on Suir, then it goes straight to the bank in Malmesbury,” John explained.

95% of the money the charity raises is by standing order, monthly or annual donations. They don’t hold fundraising events.
In recent times the donated funds were used to buy new beds for the home, and the year before new electric gates were installed on the home’s compound.

When he travels over to Malmesbury John brings with him donations from local businesses, to use when he is there. These extra funds are used for treats and trips for the children but also to treat the staff of the centre to a meal out together.
“I try to go out every second year,” John said, as he prepared for this year’s trip. On every visit he sees the benefits of the financial support.

He has been chairman of the Irish charity for 20 years now, holding an AGM every year. As time has passed the number of donors has fallen so John said it would be ‘great’ if anyone would like to contribute.

“They are lovely children. It breaks my heart the day I leave them. One girl told me that being at the centre was the first time she got love,” John said. “I tell them to have their dreams, have their ambitions; build up their confidence so they know they are special people. There’s nothing more rewarding in life.”

Many of the girls have shared with John that they want to be social workers when they grow up. “Who better than them to know what’s needed,” he said.
Anyone who would like to donate to the charity can contact John on 085-8088005.