Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the chill of winter melts into the warmth of spring here in Cape Town, we’re excited to share the heartwarming moments and exciting adventures that have filled our days at Marsh Memorial Children’s Home. From celebrating special occasions to exploring new places, our community has been buzzing with joy and activity!
Special Days at Marsh
Mandela Day Magic
This year, individuals and groups chose to spend their 67 minutes (and often more!) with us in honour of Mandela Day. Their generosity and enthusiasm brought smiles and laughter to everyone in our community.
Staff Wellness Day with the Heart and Stroke Foundation
Our dedicated staff enjoyed a wellness presentation thanks to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They delivered an informative and engaging program about the dangers of high blood pressure, recognizing and preventing strokes, and the importance of healthy eating. It was a time of learning, self-care, and empowerment!
Community Connections
PathCare's Heart-warming Visit
The amazing team from PathCare brightened our children’s day by providing each resident with a gift bag filled with warm winter clothes and goodies. They spent quality time with the children, engaging in fun activities like creating colourful handprints—a keepsake of joy and togetherness.
SAPS Rondebosch's Thoughtful Gesture
Fun with Riverside Mall staff
Celebrating South Africa's Heritage
Youth Day Festivities
Learning about South Africa’s public holidays is anything but boring at Marsh! On Youth Day, our staff donned their old school uniforms, and the children participated in drumming sessions and presentations highlighting the importance of the day. It was both educational and entertaining!
Heritage Day Highlights
To celebrate Heritage Day, our staff showcased a vibrant array of traditional attire on the Friday before the holiday, ensuring that both shifts could participate. The display of diverse cultures was truly breathtaking. On September 24th, the children took centre stage by creating their own traditional outfits and strutting their stuff in a fabulous fashion show in the Hardy Hall. Some of the younger ones even opted to dress up as superheroes, adding their own unique flair to the celebration!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
While some children spent the holidays reconnecting with families, others embarked on exciting adventures with us to keep boredom at bay and explore the world around them.
Wynberg Library Excursion: The children attended a holiday program at the Wynberg Library, coupled with life skills training on traveling by train. They journeyed from Rondebosch to Wynberg, embracing independence and learning along the way.
Ysterplaat Air Force Museum Trip: A thrilling visit to the Ysterplaat Air Force Museum allowed the children to see aircrafts up close, climb inside cockpits, and even try their hand at firefighting while wearing real protective gear!
City Explorations: Another train trip whisked us into the heart of the city, where we explored Government Avenue and the Company Gardens. Picnics in beautiful parks both nearby and further afield added to the fun-filled days.
A Fresh Start: Bathroom Renovations
Thanks to a generous donation, we undertook much-needed renovations of the bathrooms in both Whalley House and Gregory House. Leaking showers and baths had been causing dampness and unpleasant odours. The renovations involved removing the entire floor and all fixtures, installing new showers, toilets, urinals, and flooring. The transformation is incredible, and it has greatly improved the living conditions for our boys, who we temporarily relocated to Wesley House during the renovations.
A Fresh Start: Bathroom Renovations
With hearts full of gratitude, we look forward to the new season and the opportunities it brings. Thank you for being a cherished part of our journey!
Our AGM on Saturday, August 17th, was a wonderful gathering with 61 attendees. A group of our talented children led the meeting with a stirring rendition of the Marsh hymn. We’re extremely thankful for the community’s continued support and interest in the affairs of our home. Your involvement makes a world of difference!