Day 23 – Our first purchases using ‘The people’s donations’

We planned our day the night before (which is a rare thing) discussing things to buy for the people of SJC (Sandra Jones Centre). We discussed that the people’s donations should be invested into the kids rather than the premises, as that is only temporary. We wanted things that the kids can use wherever they go for example- cooking utensils, school supplies, toys for the younger kids, sporting equipment etc.

Spending so much time with the girls everyday, we feel we have a fair idea what could be useful for the girls and make their lives just that little bit easier. We decided that we should purchase some crockery and cooking utensils for the girls and their Gogo (grandma) who does a lot of the cooking. Although it doesn’t seem much, having a cutting knife with an actual handle means a lot to them. And having new cups and plates I’m sure would be revitalising.

In the morning, we drove out to the city centre in search of our items. We found a store and purchased:

20x metallic plates

20x metallic cups

2x sharp cutting knives

2x metal ladles

Total = $78

Hanging with the girls you really notice the girls love their hair. They do some amazing and creative hairstyles using two important tools: wool and a comb. There are only a few combs at SJC and they are not in the best state. We purchased 20x combs from another store because we know the girls would be elated if they received new combs. There was also a Christmas tree for sale that we purchased, as the girls have never had one before. The combs and Christmas tree altogether cost us $22, so in total we spent $100 from the people’s donations.

braai at Debbie's

the 'People's donations'

Gogo with her new utensils

Two old knives, one without a handle

Theresa happy with her new combs

The girls' Christmas tree

The mountain climbing team

We headed to SJC after our purchases and laid our items for Gogo and all the girls to see. I think you can sum up their reaction with disbelief and joy. I’m sure they appreciated the knives with handles, new plates, cups, ladles to scoop sudza and most importantly, combs. The girls actually surprised us with creating their own christmas tree. They chopped it down and decorated it with tinsel and ornaments. There's nothing wrong with having two christmas trees, the more the merrier I say. Everyone was in an ecstatic mood, so we decided to climb another mountain to burn some energy. Since it was a beautiful afternoon, the mountain range was picturesque and Alex took full advantage of it with his Canon camera and tripod.

After an hour of mountain climbing, we said our goodbyes to the girls and headed back home. Debbie had prepared a Braai for dinner, the equivalent of a barbeque. Debbie (without knowing) brought to the table a little reminder of home, a goon sack. For those who aren’t Australian, a goon sack is pretty much wine in a bag. Good times. 

We will definitely continue informing donors of how we are spending your gracious donations. Thank you again for over $3000 in donations received from families, friends, churches, workmates and anyone else I've missed. 

Jonno