SAPS brings smiles and much-needed supplies to Kimberley children’s home

CHILDREN at the Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home in Square Hill Park, Kimberley, were treated to a surprise visit and generous donation from police officers as part of this year’s Mandela Month commemorations.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District, arrived with essential food items and toiletries for the home, which currently cares for 63 children with physical disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

In addition to handing over the much-needed supplies on Wednesday, July 23, the officers rolled up their sleeves and spent their “67 minutes for Mandela” feeding the children, engaging with them in play, and helping to brighten the day with warmth and kindness.

At the handover, Colonel Sebenzile Qunta, Provincial TAC-JOC Commander of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape, highlighted the need to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of society’s most vulnerable.

The principal of the home, Chrissie Damon, extended heartfelt thanks to the SAPS teams, noting that the donation provided vital relief for the facility.

Lieutenant-Colonel Siyabulela Gawa, Operational Commander of Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District, also thanked all members who supported the initiative and helped make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children.

The donation forms part of a wider campaign across the Northern Cape, in which SAPS members are stepping beyond their usual duties to help restore dignity, fight poverty, and show solidarity with those most in need.