The Lesedi la Batho Centre in Mobopane was created for unemployed people and provides many with skills, from sewing to beadwork, computer skills and baking, allowing them to make and sell a range of merchandise to the public. They also have a life-skills course for young people who have not completed their education. One of the divisions, Amogelang Diphetogo, manufactures teddy bears which help approximately 20 ladies and their families in the Mabopane community to have an income.
In the interests of sustainability, Lewis/Beares supports this project by ordering bears that we donate to children in hospitals, hospices, children’s homes and places of safety for children. To date, we have donated over 5,000 bears to delighted young children.
Previous years before Lewis came to our rescue it was so tough for me and the team; I sat at home thinking how I can get a job to provide for my family. I felt very frustrated and hopeless because nobody wanted to give me a job, not even for cleaning or washing. It was not only me who felt like this; some of my neighbours are even worse off. Lesedi la Batho is like a family to me, our experiences and difficulties made us who we are today. I am proud to say that we are going places, step by step.”Maria Zulu, seamstress
The Rape Crisis Centre in the Helderberg area operates from a few rooms adjacent to the Hottentots Holland Hospital and counsels all rape victims referred by the hospital and from the community, from young children to the elderly, including boys and men who have been abused. Each month we contribute towards the general operating costs of the centre.
PATCH strives to HELP all child survivors of sexual abuse find HOPE and HEALING. PATCH provides a holistic set of services to the survivors of child sexual abuse. The response include assessment, therapeutic interventions, court preparation, and a 24-hour crisis line. All services are provided by a skilled team of registered Social Workers and Social Auxiliary workers. Our Funding assists with general operating costs. Some years ago, Lewis funded the modular unit located behind the Macassar police station, where PATCH is located.