The Ottery Youth Care Centre in Ferness Estate received a R250 000 donation from the EMS Foundation.
The money will go a long way in helping to develop and care for the 70 pupils at the school of industry which tries to reintegrate the children back into society as productive members of their communities.
The EMS Foundation is a philanthropic organisation trying to alleviate and end suffering, raise public awareness and provide dignity, through supporting and sustainable humane solutions, interventions and research, for the protection of children, the aged and wildlife.
The foundation was started by brothers Louis and TJ Steyn in honour of their mother Elizabeth Margaret Steyn who taught them the importance of giving back and making the world a kinder more compassionate place.
Commenting on the donation, Louis said: “’We are proud to support an organisation making an enormous difference in the lives of so many. By putting education at the heart of helping these boys turn their lives around the Ottery Youth Care Centre not
only benefits the boys, their families and their communities but South Africans as a whole, preventing more crime, making our streets and communities safer and delivering savings to the public purse.”
Moosa Mahadick, principal of the institution, said the donation is a huge financial boost and an affirmation of the kind of work being done by staff at the facility.
“EMS has been wonderful in opening up so many more opportunities for the centre and we salute the foundation and their people who have supported us passionately,” said Mr Mahadick.