A Claremont organisation used Mandela Day to give its campaign to supply pre-schools and creches with Covid-19 protective gear a shot in the arm.
The Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) held a SnapScan Mandela Day Donation Drive-by outside its premises.
The aim was to raise enough money to give R4 000 to 200 early childhood development centres so they could buy personal protective equipment – including face masks, sanitisers, bleach, duct tape, disposable gloves and soap – for staff and children.
The centre started its
#PPEforECD campaign at the beginning of last month.
The centre’s programme manager Bridget Kahts said they were supporting the most needy ECDs.
On Saturday, the centre’s staff stood in Rosmead Avenue with signs encouraging motorists to pull over and donate any amount towards the campaign using SnapScan.
Pedestrians had also been invited to make donations at a table set up in front of the centre, Ms Kahts said.
“The Department of Social Development has mandated that all ECDs have a comprehensive PPE package in order for them to open and we aim to support the most struggling ECD centres,” she said.
“We need to protect our children and ensure that they are in a safe environment at the ECDs.”
Last week, the provincial Social Development Department pledged to rebudget R10.2 million to supply registered and provisionally registered ECDs with the equipment and make them Covid-19 ready.
The CECD welcomed this announcement and said it would continue to help the most vulnerable ECDs, including those that might not be eligible for state support.
ECDs can find more information at www.westerncape.gov.za/ecd. To support the CECD campaign, follow #PPEforECD on Facebook or click here.
