The United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa (UCPA) invited Newsclip to serve its 67 minutes of community service with the home residents. In response a team of Newsclip staff spent the morning with the staff and residents, some of which are nearing the age of 50, and those as young as a year old.
According to executive director Marie van den Berg, “the most important thing for our children is the presence of people and ability to interact. Most of the residents come from abused backgrounds and just need love.”
UCPA was established in 1951 and is currently home to 45 residents which need constant support. Being an NGO the home relies completely of funding from the private sector. This responsibility is placed on a team of 8 dedicated fundraisers which source and secure funds on a daily basis.
One of the biggest issues UCPA faces is the supply of adult nappies for the residents. While the association has secured a supplier that gives them nappies at a discounted rate, funds are still an issue, and this is a top priority for all monetary donations.
Newsclip Human Capital Practitioner Riani Kruger was humbled by the experience. “It is amazing how people in those circumstances still manages to put a smile on their face.”
If you would like to contact UCPA and find out about donations and community service visit the
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