Reach Out Project
Our charity of choice for 2011 is Reach Out, a non-profit organisation working to assist vulnerable children and the elderly in France on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg.  The informal settlement of France is an area that is characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment, with the prevalence of HIV/Aids greatly affecting the community.  Melanie du Plessis, the founding director of Reach Out, explains that the organisation has been working with the residents of France for the past eight years in an effort to assist those who are unable to assist themselves through a number of interventions.

She added that the need for a community centre was identified by the organisation soon after they started working in the area, and that they are now taking steps to implement the first phase of their long-term plan for the community.
"Liberty Midlands Mall and partners have assisted in building a Drop in Community Centre.  It comprises a community hall where meals are served and homework supervised, a laundry, a kitchen, toilet facilities, a clinic, and a child advocacy office and reception area.

She explained that the eventual aim of Reach Out is to meet the urgent needs of the people of France, and to provide secure care as a stepping stone to their long term restoration.
"We would appreciate the support of the wider Pietermaritzburg public in this initiative as we continue to serve the people of the city," she said.

Charities of the Month
Reach Out With Love

If you are interested in supporting the blanket campaign, please contact Melanie du Plessis on 082 445 1769 or on 033 346 2631. Alternatively you can make a donation directly into the organisation's bank account.

Banking details:
Reach Out
Absa Bank
Acc number: 9191 875 622
Branch code: 632 005

Charities that we support this year are:

We do this by providing charities use of our charity court to highlight their charities or to fundraise.  The closing date for applications for 2012 is 31st October 2011.