Poverty, children their focus
2005-03-31
“WE are amazed at the level of poverty and also the abuse of children in Paarl,” says Major Graham Brooke-Smith, the new minister at the Salvation Army in Paarl.
He and his wife, Ailene, recently arrived from Gauteng to take over from Captain Nicky Dickinson.
Originally from the Cape, they have been working in Gauteng for the past ten years.
The couple has three children, Kyle (16), Tammy (15) and Stephanie (8).
“An innercity mission like this has quite a few challenges of its own,” he said about his appointment.
He added that they will focus on poverty and assistance to children.
To this end, Ailene has already started with a children’s club, Chi-Cheddi.
This is an exciting club for primary school children and meets on Fridays from 14:30 to 16:00 at the Salvation Army, 80 Breda Street.
Entrance is free and all children are welcome.
The couple is also very enthusiastic about the project with the Paarl Rotary Club to build a Community Care Centre to assist people, mainly children and women.
Building will take place in phases and should start in April.
Major Brooke-Smith says while the Rotarians will carry the building costs, the Salvation Army will be responsible for the running costs.
“One of the ways to earn money for this, is through our second-hand shop.”
They appeal to the public for any donations of clothes and furniture.
The shop, in New Street, is open weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 08:30 to 13:00.
Donations can be dropped at the shop or you can call the Salvation Army to collect from you. Ailene is also in need of a sewing machine for a proposed project.
You can contact them at 872-6032 or 082-465-4113.
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