A bible study meeting 17 years ago was the starting point of Bless a Child, an initiative that collects clothes for needy children.
Sandra Kohler had at the time learnt of how new mothers giving birth at Frere Hospital sometimes left the facility, wrapping their new-born in old newspapers.
The 69-year-old Kohler, who leads a Bible study group, encouraged her group to bring baby boots to every meeting.
“I said ‘ladies, this is giving me sleepless nights and we need to do something about it’.
“That’s when I told them that when we meet the following week, each woman had to bring a pair of boots to give to the new mothers for the infants, and since then the outreach just grew and grew.”
Although Bless a Child is not registered as a company, it is well recognised throughout the province by many donors and organisations which deliver toys, clothes, scarves and beanies to the Kohler residence.
The outreach movement’s main objective is to deliver to Frere’s paediatric, maternity and oncology wards. It also updates the toy corner at the hospital’s B6 ward where sick children are placed, and also helps other areas in need.
“Last week we delivered seven black bags to the Kings Children home on the East Coast and I also deliver clothes to Ethembeni old-age home in Mdantsane when there are things available for them.
“I am more of a distributor to places where there is an appeal, but what I do would not be possible without the assistance of church folk and organisations like Helping Hands, Knitters for Jesus and individuals who collect items for me to deliver.
“No man is an island.”
Kohler from Cambridge Baptist church, who still leads a Bible study group on Thursdays, said a two-sided coin was at work.
“Many of the women who contribute with their crocheted blankets and clothes live in old-age homes, all alone with no family.
“The work they do is for indigent people, but it also restores purpose and meaning into their own lives, which is very fulfilling for them.”
Founder of Helping Hand in Kei Mouth, Llynne Matthews, who nominated Kohler, said she had been inspired by what she does and still remain “in the background”.
“I was mentored by Sandra. We are reaching out to needy people because of the work she does.
“She has been an inspiration and I feel it is time for her to get the recognition she deserves and stop taking the back seat.” — mbalit@dispatch.co.za