Little Angels took in their first baby in 1997, in
a small family home in Tokai, in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Within a few months they were caring for about 6 babies, all of whom had
tested HIV positive. At that stage, the HIV problem was
relatively new, and the few who were providing emergency care for babies
were, for various reasons, not able or willing to take in HIV cases.
After extensive training, undergone by the House Parents, Phillip and Pat
van Rensburg, Little Angels undertook to accommodate them all. When
more babies were placed with them, they took in their first helper and very
soon word spread through the community, and volunteers began helping at feed
times. The love and caring these babies received soon had them
thriving, and the majority of them underwent startling transformations.
Many HIV/AIDS babies were retested, only to test HIV negative.
Soon there were many babies in the house, and a few staff. They
realised that this was a calling from God.
Their plan was to care for one at a time, but so many needed homes, and they
decided that they wanted to be there for as many as they could possibly
help. So they opened their lives and their home and have never looked
back.
They turned their teenagers' bedrooms into baby nurseries and, later, their
dining room also became a nursery. In their own bedroom they often
housed 4 to 6 babies as well. The house soon swelled with all the
clothing and equipment needed for so many little ones.
Their two own sons have been tremendously supportive from the start - they
couldn't have wished for more. Their wider family became totally
involved as well, and still are. Everyone just loves the babies and
children - the home is always full of laughter, love and noise - happy
noise.So far, they have cared for more
than 200 babies in their own home.
In 2001, we decided to launch our Help Centre.
Since founding Little Angels we had always been blessed with donations of goods
and services in excess of what we required ourselves and we were receiving
requests for help from many other needy organisations. Thus, with
the blessing of our donors, we began to distribute excess goods to others and
this part of our activities is what keep us the busiest nowadays.
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