KidsCare, founded by Chanel Long, has embarked on a bag project to assist abused children and mothers. Picture: Supplied
Pretoria - Through a new initiative, KidsCare is giving a strong positive message to children rescued under traumatic circumstances with little to nothing.
The Pretoria East organisation collected donations for Build-A-Bag project, which were then donated to the Association South Africa and given to children rescued and removed from homes and taken to a place of safety.
KidsCare founder Chanel Long said the organisation was started in March.
“With the alarming rise of child abuse, I wanted to do something for little ones, so KidsCare was born.”
Long said packed in the bag were a few necessities as well as a message of hope to the child.
“This bag is the first step in their journey to healing.”
Long said the project was so successful that they were now being asked to do the same for mothers.
“These are good moms, strong moms who love their kids, but have also been the victims of domestic abuse together with their children.
“Spouses who were supposed to love them and protect them instead chose to beat, breakdown, humiliate and strip them of self-worth and dignity.
“These moms have made the right decision and left the abuse together with her children. In doing so they leave with nothing.
“I’ve just launched the dignity bag for these moms, packed with a few necessities to help restore their self-worth.
“I want to honour these great moms in support of them making the right decision to leave and stopping the cycle of abuse.”
Long said soon after starting out, they packed 80 bags that were donated to Family Protection Association SA.
“Our second bag run, which we’re currently busy with, we are hoping to reach 100 bags which I think we’re going to exceed.”
Long said future plans at KidsCare involved doing a Christmas Build-A-Bag project where half the bags would also go to children affected by poverty.
“I’d also like to get a KidsCare website up and running where you can Build your Bag online. This way people who live far away can also participate.
“I hope that big brands can get on board with KidsCare and help.”
Pretoria News