Daily News Milk Fund and partners uplift vulnerable girls during Heritage Month

"Caring for Girls" in need is what the Daily News Milk Fund, in collaboration with its partners the Imbumba Foundation, Pedros, and SunFree, set out to do as a Heritage Month initiative.

Saint Philomena's Centre, a facility based in Sydenham, Durban, providing shelter and support for vulnerable and orphaned girls, was the recipient of essential items donated by the partners.

For the management of St Philomena’s, it is essential to keep the centre’s wheels operational in spite of being continuously beset with various challenges. Therefore, the gesture of kindness from the donors warmed their hearts.  

Asanda Madlala, the centre’s social worker, was filled with gratitude when the sponsors and a team from the Daily News visited the facility on Rippon Road yesterday.

“Their visit makes us very happy. Heritage Month is a significant time for us as we gather to celebrate our identity,” she said, highlighting the joy such events brought to the children.

Madlala stated that despite various challenges, the centre has been operating for over 15 years and currently accommodates 37 girls, just below its capacity of 40. She regards community support as priceless. “We are very delighted and hope that we will receive more of these invites in the future.”

Humaira Shaik, an administrator from Pedros, said they have been well invested in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives for several years. Regarding Pedros' involvement in outreach programmes, she said: “It all started with us having extra meals at the store. We decided to give out meals to orphanages and others in need. This partnership with Saint Philomena's has allowed us to make a meaningful impact during Heritage Month.”

Tiarra Lee, a representative of SunFree, shared how they reached out to communities, including their programme of supplying girls' sanitary products, which made the collaboration with Saint Philomena's a perfect fit. “We conduct presentations in schools on hygiene and want to ensure that girls know they’re not alone and that we are here for them,” she said.

Richard Mabaso, the founder of the Imbumba Foundation, explained his vision for social change, rooted in personal experience from his rural upbringing. “The bean seed represents eternity and the unending cycle of life.

Our foundation works to uplift and empower communities across Southern Africa,” he said. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he concluded, underscoring the foundation's goal of fostering collaboration among the public and private sectors.

Sameera Kareem, Independent Media's CSI manager, said it was a great feeling for the Daily News Milk Fund to join forces with the other sponsors to provide some assistance to Saint Philomena's and celebrate Heritage Month in the process.

“It was a truly heartwarming and unforgettable day, where we were able to provide essential items. The Daily News proudly donated a significant amount of groceries to the home. We also appreciate Pedros, SunFree, and Imbumba Foundation for their contributions, as well as Baking Pan for the beautiful cake that made the celebration special,” Kareem said.

DAILY NEWS