Friends of Child Protection hosted their yearly service of blessing and hope at the Presbyterian Church on Upper Orange Street in Gardens last Sunday.
The Cape Town Camerata choir, the Safeline Child Abuse Centre, SAPS’ Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit, and volunteers took park in a special service at the 132 year old church.
“We do this every year to show our appreciation for the groups involved when it comes to child protection. It normally ties in with the international child protection week but it was cancelled due to the elections,” said Antonia Zechner, chairperson of FCP.
“Our next packing is in July, it usually happens on Madiba day and it will be here at the church. We still have Royal Portfolio foundation, Dischem and volunteers, but we are always looking for sponsors and volunteers. We do need volunteers to make the load easier ahead of the pack day and we usually have businesses joining us so we are looking forward to it,” said Ms Zechner.
Rochelle Philander, a director at Safeline, based at Grassy Park, says they conduct their counselling operations at schools in Mitchells Plain, Lavender Hill and Delft.
“In 2007 we realised that children are mostly alone during holidays and so we run a programme during school holidays because we realised. So we run programmes to keep them safe during this time and we teach them about being safe, keeping safe, how to report if something happens to you, how ro speak out, and we do life skills programmes as well,” said Ms Philander.
“The comfort packs that we receive from FCP are greatly appreciated. The soft toy that comes with it is the most important part of that pack because the children need it, they are fearful but that little toy gives the child comfort while they are with us,” she said.
According to Reverend Eros Van Zyl, the Presbyterian church is happy to have FCP for worship and packing.
“They do quite well here with the packing and the comfort packs goes all over the Western Cape. This church and this hall is here for the community and they (FCP) are doing such a good job,” Reverend Van Zyl said.
Hout Bay resident Christene Battersby has been volunteering with FCP for just over 20 years, and she is motivated to continue her support of the organisation dedicated to child protection.
“I was introduced to FCP and the plight of the children many years ago and I’m at every packing, it’s just something that I have to do and enjoy doing,” said Ms Battersby.
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie from SAPS media division said they work closel with FCS.
“The FCS Unit is invited as a guest during the annual church service which is conducted to appreciate and commend those involved in the eradicating the plight of child abuse and gender-based violence. We value the contribution made by FCP as well as the partnership in bringing a smile to those who had been victims of this heinous crime,” said Lieutenant Colonel Pojie.
