One of the characteristics of a civilised nation is the commitment of its business community, as an assistant of the welfare state, to the social development of lower classes within the vision of achieving legitimacy through shared growth. The post-apartheid South Africa is fitting into that category because, under the impulse of its government, it prods the private sector to do much more in social works, especially through empowering the social capital structures. It is against that background that AFMEX CARGO, one of the fast growing freight companies with a 19 year experience, has been excelling in donations in favour of the bulk of South Africa’s needy.
Avril Elizabeth was a young girl who fell ill and was left in a twilight zone. She was on the waiting list for entry into the first home in Kensington when she died. The Avril Elizabeth Home opened its doors in 1970 by Sheila Suttner. Sheila Suttner started working as a social worker, looking after intellectually challenged people of the Jewish faith. She had so many requests from the non-Jewish community for help that she set out to make it possible to extend her helping hand.
The home was opened in Kensington in 1970 and was a place to call home for 21 intellectually disabled children. The home is now situated on five hectares of land in Fisher’s Hill, Germiston. The main buildings accommodate children and there are cottages that home adults whose disabilities are less serious. A stimulation Centre has been developed to help the residents realise their potential.
The Teddy Bear is the mascot of the Avril Elizabeth home. When the home moved, they were low on funds and someone donated 100 Teddy Bears that were sold and the proceeds helped to fund the home.