Maple Casino Offers a Helping Hand to Kids Haven

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Kids Haven is a refuge for children in Johannesburg, South Africa who have nowhere to turn but to the streets, often because their parents have abandoned them or have passed away due to the HIV pandemic. The street is no place for a child as violence, drugs and crime lurk around every corner and the temptation for youth to get involved in crime, to survive, is far too alluring.

Poverty in South Africa is a growing concern and many youth are slipping through the cracks of a flawed government system. What's even more of a concern is often the youth want to remain on the streets because begging and stealing provides these adolescents with a means to acquire money - often not for food, but for drugs.

In 2007 statistics showed 47% of South Africans are living below the poverty line, whilst 2.4 million young people between the ages of 18 and 25 are unemployed. Unemployment is linked with education and the poor and homeless sector that attends school, often do so without shoes, warm clothing or food. It is impossible for a child to concentrate when they are cold and hungry as it affects their concentration and their ability to learn.

In the late 1980s two very brave ladies decided to help the youth by opening a soup kitchen. From there, they grew and grew, providing clothes and shelter for homeless children. Today, they are able to offer disadvantaged youth a good education and a stable family environment. Organisations such as Kids Haven are making a difference and give destitute children the means to have a successful future.

Charlotte Jackson, Maple Casino's representative, believes that "it is the duty of every citizen to help the youth in whatever way possible and to strive to make a difference. After all, children are a country's future. Kids Haven relies on public funding and clothing donations in order to carry on helping children and everyone has the capacity to help by making a donation - no matter how big or small." She went on to say that "by giving homeless children money, we're keeping them on the streets. Rather take them to a shelter where they can receive proper care and protection."

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