At the moment seven children – four babies and three toddlers – call this house in Westacres home.
All four of the babies were abandoned by their mothers after they had given birth at Rob Ferreira Hospital and were placed in the home by the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development. Liznica has looked after 107 babies since its inception six years ago, some of whom stayed for more than a year.
Liza Labuschagne, the heart and hands behind Liznica House of Hope, adopted a baby when she was only 21 years old.
She looks after the babies in her care without any help.
“I am used to very little sleep!” she says.
Making sure that the physical needs of all the children are met poses quite a challenge.
“Because the children in our care are with us temporarily, I am not regarded by the government as a foster parent and do not qualify for a foster-care allowance. I rely completely on donations to look after the children,” she says.
The toddlers placed with her attend a pre-school in the area, and although the school discounted their fees, she still has to pay school fees. Then there is food, clothes, milk formula, nappies and medical costs.
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She uses about ten tins of milk formula and 400 nappies every month.
Dr Pierre Taljaard is a general paediatrician in Nelspruit, supports her with consultations for the children, but she still needs to buy all their medicine.
Liza says the home needs about R50 000 per month to survive.
“Fundraising remains a challenge for me, as I am fully occupied with looking after the children, and I need all the help I can get,” Liza says.
To introduce the Liznica House of Hope to the community, Liza will be hosting an event at Koffi at the Montana Nursery on the Kaapsehoop Road this Saturday at 11:00.
“Join us for a cupcake and a cup of coffee and meet our beautiful children and learn about what we do and how you can support us. All funds raised will be used to cover the children’s living expenses,” Liza says.
Tickets are available at R150 per person and are available from Liza on 078 967 9450.
Because Liznica Home of Hope is a registered NPO and PBO, businesses donating to Liznica will receive a Section-18A certificate for tax purposes.
