A Cape Town family’s charitable gesture took an unexpected twist when they requested the return of their donation to a local children’s shelter.
Katherine Brink, a child expert who manages the Little Brinks NPO, was taken aback by the family’s abrupt change of heart and a member of the family’s subsequent legal threats.
As per the Saturday Star, Brink turned to social media for advice and shared her bewilderment at the situation.
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‘I’m just still in absolute horror,’ expressed Brink, who had known the donor through Facebook for several years. ‘She asked to bring her daughter to drop off donations. I said yes, as we normally make an appointment and do a handover, so the kids don’t get too excited and go through the toys before I can see who needs what and dish it out fairly.’
Brink and her husband Danny have been operating the NPO in Cape Farms since 2008. On 20 August, the donor and her daughter delivered a box of toys. Although the shelter usually reviews donations for safety before distribution, they made an exception to let the mother’s daughter participate, sparking excitement among the children.
However, just ten days later, Brink was shocked to receive a message requesting the return of two dolls and a stuffed horse toy. Unfortunately, these items had already been given to the children, who had since left the safe house. Adding to the confusion, the donor’s former partner contacted Brink, claiming that the box of toys was not intended for donation.
Brink had to retrieve a doll that had been given to a two-year-old girl named Olivia. Olivia, who has foetal alcohol syndrome, had formed an emotional attachment to the toy.
‘She sobbed, telling me the girl gave her the toys, and it’s hers. She is two and has foetal alcohol syndrome, so rules and consistency are very important in her life. This is heartbreaking.’
Brink reportedly faced legal threats from the donor’s former partner throughout the ordeal.
‘Wow. This is a first,’ Brink remarked in disbelief. ‘In 20 years of doing charity work, I have never had someone come back and do this. I would have understood one item by accident or even a couple, but to demand the entire box and threaten legal action was a first.’
Funding has always been a challenge for the NPO due to the diverse ages of the children in their care. They work tirelessly to support numerous families and provide daily soup kitchens, necessitating a constant supply of food, clothing and household items.
If you wish to support the Little Brinks NPO, donations can be deposited into their FNB account:
- Bank: FNB
- Account number: 62561709571
- Branch code: 250655
Little Brinks can also be contacted via email at [email protected] or via its Facebook page, Little Brinks NPO 176-343.
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