Childline KZN will close in weeks without urgent funding: iLIVE

More than 28 000 children in KwaZulu-Natal will phone Childline KZN’s crisis line next month and unless urgent funding is secured, these children will be left alone in their hour of need, as Childline KZN will close down in September due to a lack of funds.

Childline KZN was founded over 27 years ago and each month offers free help, advice, counseling, therapy and support for children and teenagers in KZN.  Issues dealt with by Childline KZN range from bullying at school, suicide and exam pressures, to violence in the home and sexual abuse. 

Mervyn Sigamoney, chairperson of Childline KZN, explained that the organisation has always been in a positive position. However, recent funding delays by the National Lottery, coupled with a changed focus by some previous donors, has left the organization in a critical situation.

“We have been using our reserves to keep going but these are almost finished,” said Sigamoney.

“We have already had to suspend some services due to the financial crisis.

“Children are now forced to face the intimidation of court without Childline KZN’s support; we’ve had to reduce our outreach programme to kids in schools; and stop a number of specialist counseling services. This is a heartbreaking situation as we know the impact this has on children. Already children are suffering due to the lack of funds.”

With only a few weeks of funding left, the situation is set to become a lot worse.

“We are aiming for R7 million to ensure our operations continue for another year.  Whilst this is a lot of money, we reach over 500 000 children in a year. Therefore, this equates to approximately R14 a child.  Just R14 to help save a child.  I don’t think that’s much,” said Sigamoney.

Well known Durban personality and former East Coast Radio DJ, Alan Khan has come on board as an ambassador to the organization.

“Childline KZN is there for everyone’s children, no matter their circumstances.  There is no rich or poor, no black or white, just children hurting and Childline KZN has always been there to offer professional and loving support and assistance." 

“Now, we need to help Childline KZN.  We’ve launched a campaign called Super Heroes, as we need the heroes of KZN to come forward and donate money to save Childline KZN.  No longer do Super Heroes have to wear a  red cape, underpants on the outside or even have x-ray vision … they simply need to donate and fast!"

“We need big cheques from corporates, the gym clubs to give up their morning smoothie or families to give up a few sweet treats.  It is such a critical situation that every single Rand will make a difference."  

“We simply cannot sit back and think someone else will do it.  It is time for the heroes of KZN to show themselves,” said Khan.

Ways to donate:

SMS
SMS hero to 39555. SMS costs R15. You may send as many SMSs as you wish.

Monthly debit order
Two, four, six, eight .. you decide how many hundreds of Rands you’d like to donate each month with a debit order.  Simply visit www.childlinekzn.org.za/superhero to download the form, or contact our office and we’ll get a copy to you.

Credit card
Credit card donations can be made through our secure online portal. Visit www.childlinekzn.org.za/superhero which will take you to a secure site for donations.

Bank deposit
Bank:                  Nedbank
Branch:              148 626
Account no.:      100 311 1971
Acc. name:         Childline KZN

Potential donors are also welcome to contact Childline KZN directly on email finance@childlinekzn.org.za  or phone (031) 312-0904.