Little Eden Pushes Through the Hard Times

by Admin · July 30, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected donations income for charitable organisations, including Little Eden, the Gauteng-based society for the care of people with mental handicaps.

Addressing Little Eden’s AGM, chair Deacon Doug Boake, noted the gravity of the impact of Covid-19 in our country, in particular Little Eden, with detrimental effects on donations. He thanked the donors who have continued “to display acts of generosity despite this tumultuous period”.

“Despite the prevailing gloom and doom in the country, Little Eden has indeed been blessed and has weathered the financial problems due to the timely action of fiscal discipline, stringent review of operating costs, seeing how funds can be stretched and looking at new ways of fundraising,” Deacon Boake said.

He outlined how Little Eden has explored various ways of survival.

The organisation’s 53rd AGM was held online, bringing together not only the board and management but also residents and their next of kin, staff, volunteers, donors and members of the local community.

Xelda Rohrbeck, CEO of the Little Eden Society, reflected on the challenging past year, including the shock of the first positive cases despite all the preparation in place. She also highlighted the commitment and dedication displayed by the Little Eden team, which has played a fundamental role in the decisions undertaken for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“Over a year later, the various protocols, policies and procedures have become part of daily life at Little Eden, and I commend the team for having adapted and remaining resilient,” she said.

“One thing that has remained and continues to remain our guiding strength, filling us with hope, is the presence of a strong ethos, underpinned by Divine Providence.”

A moment of silence was observed to acknowledge the recent passing of Giuliano Rota Matir, the president of the ONLUS, was founded in Bergamo, Italy, in 2012 as a state registered NGO with the sole purpose of supporting of Little Eden Society.

The Danny and Domitilla Hyams Award, which is the highest recognition that Little Eden can bestow in recognition of exemplary support, was awarded to Lucy Slaviero for “exceptional meritorious service to Little Eden Society and exemplary leadership as chief executive officer of the society for 22 years”, and to Deacon Antony Bishop for “exceptional meritorious service to the organisation as a member of the board of governors for 40 years”.

Local Councillor Heather Hart and Bharti Patel, the Director of the SA Federation for Mental Health, acknowledged the good work carried out by Little Eden.

Some residents who attended the AGM offered words of encouragement and inspiration to those in attendance.

Deacon Boake was re-elected chair of the board of governors, as were Maurizio Galimberti as vice-chair and Sedzani Mudau as treasurer.

Download the latest annual report at https://www.littleeden.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/2021/07/AnnualReport2021.pdf

For more information about LITTLE EDEN Society, contact Rethabile Lechela at 011 609-7246 or or visit www.littleeden.org.za