The Pinetown-based shelter for abused women and children is part of The Open Door Crisis Care Centre (ODCCC), founded by Thora Mansfield in 1997 and opened after a request by the South African Police Services to assist women and children who had been physically and sexually abused.
Ikhaya Le Themba can accommodate 14 women and their children and is run by two housemothers who can receive women on a 24-hour basis. A social worker deals with the management of the women, assisted by the shelter's nurse and a social auxiliary worker.
This sanctuary provides protection from further abuse and also caters for victims of human trafficking who have escaped or been rescued from their traffickers.
"The shelter is registered with the Department of Social Welfare and is recognised as a role model in terms of shelters of its kind," explained Mansfield.
BDO, which provides audit, tax and advisory services, was given a wish list of toiletry and non-perishable food items, which Sally Juckes, Samantha Worthington and Bernice Pillay handed over to Mansfield and her staff. They also spent the morning at the shelter where they were given a tour of the facilities and witnessed the work being done.
BDO Audit and Assurance Partner Sally Juckes said they chose the centre because of the amazing work it does for women in need. "The centre is well run and offers a warm and welcoming environment for abused women. This is an excellent charity that we will continue to support," said Juckes.
Commenting on BDO's donation, Mansfield said these contributions are the "life blood" of the organisation.
"The items received help the women we care for to not only be appreciated, but also to help them to see themselves as worthy of being spoilt. Without these donations we would not be able to carry out the work that we do," she said.
The Sunflower Fund's Bandana Day is next on BDO's agenda.
