J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3

P O Box 2212Primrose 1416 South Africa

Tel. 011 609 7246 Fax 011 452 4560

E-mail address: info@littleeden.org.za

Web address: www.littleeden.org.za

NPO: 001 827PBO No.: 930 0000 03

As you might know, many of the children at LITTLE EDEN have been

abandoned by their biological families. But the ‘family’ they belong to here has ties as strong as any blood ties.

When Owami doesn’t get his own way, he runs to his big ‘sister’ Dorothy in tears, knowing that she will make things better.And Maria always wants a cuddle from Dorothy before she takes her midday nap.

It’s heartwarming to see the unique bond this 41 year old woman has with the much younger members of her ‘family’ in Green Wing. There is no verbal communication at all – just Dorothy’s open arms, always ready to offer a comforting hug. She is also affected by profound intellectual disability, but her contribution to the happiness of the group is immeasurable.

Pule – age five – has a real brother here. A year younger, Gontshe functions at a much lower level. As the physiotherapist puts Gontshe onto a slide to help strengthen core muscles and improve balance, Pule runs to his brother’s side to help him sit up and to

encourage him.Too often, people assume that children

with profound intellectual disability are incapable of rational thought or action. We see that is clearly not the case! Deep within these damaged brains and imperfect bodies is an amazing empathy towards others … a genuine understanding and caring.

As a member of our wider ‘family’ of generous supporters, you also show that wonderful empathy towards children with disabilities. Whether you play the role of ouma, oupa, aunty or uncle, you complete the circle of caring around our children. Thank you so much!in

Touch

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We are family

All better now!

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Gontshe working with his physiotherapist.

Lil’ bit of country fêteThat’s the theme of this year’s annual fête which takes place on Saturday 2 March at the Domitilla and Danny

Hyams Home, cnr Harris/Wagenaar Roads, Edenglen.All your favourite stalls, bargains, delicious food,

music, entertainment, games and lots of fun for the kids! Gates open at 9am and entrance is just R5.

Dress up country style – great prizes are to be won!

What’s the matter?

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Our Edenvale Home has been named the Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home (DDHH) in honour of the

founders of LITTLE EDEN. A small group of staff and friends gathered at the Home in Edenvale on 7 September for the unveiling of the plaque by Mr Maurizio Galimberti (Vice Chairman of the Society and donor of the plaque).

“It is a great honour to acknowledge in this way the significant contribution that Danny and Domitilla - my parents - have made to LITTLE EDEN and the special people in our care,” said Mrs Lucy Slaviero, CEO of LITTLE EDEN. The organisation was established in 1967 and would not have been where it is today, had it not been for the hard work, perseverance and personal sacrifices of this inspiring couple.

In a move aimed at protecting assets and ensuring the provision of funds, services and other resources to

LITTLE EDEN, a new legal entity, the LITTLE EDEN Foundation, has been established. The Foundation is a separate Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930 034 635) operated not for profit and registered under Sections 18A and 30 of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962. It has its own non-executive Chairman and independent Board members.

Emperors Palace has been providing fabulous eats at our various functions for over 9 years. This amounts to a

huge donation in kind and we thank them most sincerely.We asked Julie from the Emperors Palace Casino Hotels

and Convention and Entertainment Resort Hotel why they have continued to support LITTLE EDEN over the years.

“Originally, we were approached to get involved with the fête. We visited LITTLE EDEN and fell in love with the children and the exceptional work of the staff,” she explains.

“To this day, we are still inspired by the work of the LITTLE EDEN team.”

A huge thank you to our many, many wonderful supporters for helping to fill the Christmas Season

with joy, excitement and special treats for the children. Whether you made a donation towards their care

... turned up at one of our concerts to sing and clap along with the performers ... or contributed gifts or party food, like our wonderful friends at Emperors Palace – thank you!

We wish you a happy 2013, filled with the same joy you give our children.

A magical Christmas – thanks to you

Founders of LITTLE EDEN honoured

LITTLE EDEN Foundation established

Goodies Galore!

Not even the inclement weather could dampen spirits during the unveiling of the plaque at LITTLE EDEN. From left to right are Domitilla and Danny’s

daughters: Mary Hyams, Veronica Mannix, Lucy Slaviero, Agnes Rohrbeck and Elizabeth Toldo, with Maurizio Galimberti (Vice Chairman of Little Eden)

and Danny Hyams seated in front.

Party time at Elvira Rota

Village – such excitement!

Peace, love, joy was the message at the concert at

the DDH Home

Enthusiastic performers at the ERV concert (above) and the DDH Home (left)‘Baby Jesus’ at the

ERV concert

huge thsuppor

with joy, exWhe

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They may not understand much. But many of our children do understand the importance of saying

‘thank you’. So when we asked the residents of Elvira Rota Village to hand-make herb baskets as a ‘thank you’ gift for our honorary service providers and board members, they really put their hearts into it!

From planting the tiny celery, parsley, rocket and chive seedlings and carefully tending them, to collecting reeds from the wetlands and binding them onto the wire baskets, everything was done with the utmost care. For children whose coordination isn’t good, it took a great deal of time and trouble to get the baskets looking perfect. But they did it!

And in the process, they again taught us a valuable lesson: don’t rush through life, hurrying to finish one task, while your mind races ahead to what needs to be done

Made with time and trouble – two precious

and rare ingredients!

next. Take the time to work quietly through what you’re doing now … live in the moment. And when you’ve finished, enjoy the sense of satisfaction and achievement you get from having done something well.

When the gifts were delivered, the recipients surely felt a sense of what had gone into making them. ‘Transported me back to the sunny days in the village of my childhood, when people were more in touch with each other and you felt the community spirit,’ was how one person put it, while another said she would ‘treasure it.’

Special friends like you are welcome to visit LITTLE EDEN, whether or not you’ve been

before. The children would love to see you – especially if you take time to stop and greet them – and staff are happy to show you what we do here to care for our very special family.

Please just call ahead of time to let us know to expect you and to arrange a convenient time.

From our visitors’ book:“We learnt not to take life for granted.” “Well organized and professional – we would be

honoured to visit again.”“You are angels for doing what you do.”

next Take the time to work quietly through what you’re

Hello...Nice to meet you...

Come join the fun!

Onlus to build on founder’s legacy

The Associazione Domitilla Rota Hyams Onlus is a PBO/NPO established in Italy to ensure that the legacy

of the founder of LITTLE EDEN is preserved – and that the work of caring for children and adults with profound intellectual disability, from the cradle to the grave, goes on.

Supporters in Italy can now contribute directly through the onlus website www.domitillarotahyams.com and enjoy tax benefits.

Awards for Annual Report

At the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Awards last October, our annual report was voted

Best Newcomer, as well as runner-up in the NGO/SME category. We are immensely proud of these awards, and the judges comments:

“The judges were impressed with the organisation’s ability to discuss material issues, to convey performance data and provide the reader with a complete picture of the organisation and its activities”

Grateful thanks to Studio 5, LawPrint, Mortimer Printing, IRAS and Radco – all of which offered their services free of charge. Without their generous contribution, the annual report would not have been such a winner!

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One girl, two boys and a horse – welcome to the latest additions to our family

Cindy is 16 years old and lives in Lilac Wing with 24 new friends.

Neo is 11 years old and lives in Green Wing. He

can’t walk or feed himself.

10 year old Thabo is blind and moves by pulling

himself across the floor.

Robyn is the gentle new mare at Elvira

Rota Village.

Thanks to hundreds of pairs of ‘Happy Feet’ who brought their owners to participate in our fun

walk through the Johannesburg Zoo last November. Apart from enjoying a fun day out with the family, you helped raise funds towards the cost of caring for children who can’t walk or talk.

This year, we’re planning a family fun day at Elvira Rota Village in Bapsfontein, which will include a 10km or 5km run/walk for adults and lots of fun

activities for the children – including a jungle gym, jumping castle, treasure hunt and more!

Plan now to spend the day with us on 14 September. Bring a picnic or braai pack and and relax under the trees. Watch our website for more details.

These shoes were made for walking! funn

Pictured at the Cocktail Benefit were (from left to right): Mrs Julia Henderson, wife of the UK Trade Commissioner,

Peggy-Sue Khumalo, guest speaker, Mr Hendry Bellingham, Minister for Africa, High Commissioner Dame

Nicola Brewer and her husband, Mr Geoff Gilham

UK Trade Commissioner hosts Cocktail Benefit on Mandela Day

In celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day and as his contribution to the 67 minutes of service

requested from all citizens every year on this occasion, the UK Trade Commissioner, Mr Andrew Henderson, and his wife Julia hosted a cocktail benefit reception on the evening of 18 July in aid of LITTLE EDEN.

The event was sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank, Jaguar Landrover and BT – and our grateful thanks go to everyone involved.

Adopting one of our ‘angels’ not only makes a real difference in the life of a child with profound

intellectual disability, it also has a personal and meaningful impact on your own life.

When you sponsor a child at LITTLE EDEN with a regular monthly contribution of R300 or more, you ‘earn your wings’ and receive a Certificate of Appreciation with ‘your’ child’s photo and case history.

“For the past nearly 10 years we have sponsored Siza, a girl with cerebral palsy. She has no contact with her family anymore, we are her family. She recognizes us when we visit and manages to pronounce our name. The pride in her face when she does so is too touching for words.” – Van den Bosch family, Holland.

Join Alexandra and Otto – adopt an angel today by calling Nichollette on 011 609 7246 or email marketing@littleeden.org.za

Earn your wings