GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - As part of a seven-year-long tradition, the Scottish Lathallan Schools volunteer group arrived in Graaff-Reinet on 3 July, to do some much-needed work at Vuyani Safe Haven.
According to marketer for the home, Riana van der Ahee, the group raised funds throughout the year for their projects at Vuyani. They visited the home for six days.
"This year, they brought a bag full of soccer balls, socks, beanies, scarves, knitted gloves and underwear," Van der Ahee told the Advertiser. The volunteers also donated stationery for the home's learning centre, hair accessories for the girls and warm blankets.
"Through a crowdfunding initiative, they also raised money to buy a brand new TV to replace a broken one," Van der Ahee added. The volunteers showed the children how to install their new television.
While at the home, the Scotts also painted Vuyani's play area with a rainbow of colours, and children from the home jumped in to lend a hand.
Their visit was packed full of activities, of which the highlight was the visit to the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo National Park.
"It was a magical experience," said Van der Ahee.
Project manager of the Camdeboo Work for Water and Camdeboo Land Rehabilitation, Karen Jacobs, and her field assistant, Lewies Mapaling, explained to the visitors and children the important work being done to eradicate alien plants.
On the last day, each volunteer received a certificate of appreciation and recognition for their work from Vuyani, which was handed out by manager Hildegarde Brummer.
Children from Vuyani Safe Haven always enjoy the six-day visit from the Scottish Lathallan Schools volunteer group, which first started in 2011.
Children from Vuyani Safe Haven enjoyed a visit with their new friends to the Valley of Desolation.
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