The Friends of Child Protection (FCP) marked an emotional milestone last Thursday as they held their final packing session of the year at the Presbyterian Church in Gardens.

Joining them was their founder, 87-year-old Flo Borchers, who started the project 22 years ago.

Ms Borchers, now based in England, shared how the organisation began and reflected on the enduring impact of their work in supporting child victims of abuse.

“My daughter, Kerrin Marcon, read an article in Fair Lady (magazine) about the child protection unit in Goodwood. We called the captain in charge, Jan Swart, and he told us what they were doing and showed us a two-litre ice cream box — that was the forerunner of the comfort pack. It was a life-changing experience,” Ms Borchers said.

The comfort packs, designed to provide solace to children who have endured sexual abuse, include essentials like underwear or nappies, soap, a toothbrush, a snack pack, and a soft toy.

What began with just three women meeting at the Goodwood police station has grown into a movement that has brought comfort to countless children over the years.

Ms Borchers, though less involved in FCP’s daily activities, expressed her gratitude for the volunteers and donors who sustain the initiative that supplies goods across the Western Cape.

“It makes me feel grateful that we could give a tiny bit of help to a child that’s been traumatised. I’m privileged to be here, as I’m not always around for the packing when I visit. I must tell you when I went to church while I lived here, a pastor came to me and told me that she was raped as a child. She said the incident was contained and hidden and we only know so little about what happens,” she said.

Antonia Zechner, chairperson of FCP, highlighted the challenges the organisation faces, including the rising costs of items for the comfort packs. Despite this, they prepared 1 075 packs this year, ensuring that child protection units will have resources for the challenging months of December and January.

“The prices are crazy and it’s been a challenging year. We rely on donations. The rising costs have been partially offset by government contributions to Thuthuzela Care Centres, but the need for comfort packs is important. We are thankful for the volunteers who continue to come through and give of their time,” said Ms Zechner.

Volunteers, like 75-year-old Rose Pelteret, who has been with FCP for over a decade, echoed the importance of their work.

“I wish we could do more, but we are grateful for the donations and sponsors we get. If we can make a child feel that somebody cares about them, then it’s one child less that feels unwanted,” she said.

As FCP wraps up its activities for 2024, the organisation plans to resume packing sessions in February 2025.

For Ms Borchers, her return to Cape Town and participation in the final pack brought her full circle to the project she began over two decades ago.

Volunteers assemble the comfort packs and distribute them to the various centres across the province.

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