We all need a safety net in life. For some, a safety net could be that emergency fund should they lose their job, adequate life insurance or a reliable backup for their important computer files. For a helpless abandoned baby in Johannesburg, however, a safety net meant so much more . . . it was a chance at life.
The infant in question was a Matchbox Baby. And the safety net came in the form of Matchbox Babies. Matchbox Babies is a non-profit organisation that matches unwanted babies to a temporary safe foster care parent after being found in a designated drop box. The aim is for these babies to be placed with a “forever family” where they are loved and cared for.
Helping in a ‘small way’
When Margie Ross from Matchbox Babies approached Nets for Africa about installing a new pool safety net at the home of a foster Mom we came to learn of the story behind their needs.
We grabbed the opportunity to donate and install the 70m2 net to ensure the safety of the baby at home. It’s what we do and we are passionate about child pool safety. It was the perfect match.
“Life is busy, and can be hectic and challenging,” says Nets for Africa owner Janine White. “Yet some people find the time, effort and energy to make the world a better place. Matchbox Babies does just this by providing for the young and helpless.
“Nets for Africa is honoured to have been able to assist in a small way by donating a pool cover to protect a family,” she says. “It must be difficult having to ask for things all the time. They do such amazing work.”
An ‘amazing gift’
One of the team members at Matchbox Babies, Nicola Brown, couldn’t hide her excitement at the donation. “A shout out to Nets for Africa for donating a brand new pool net and installation for one of our special moms,” she said.
The overwhelming reaction to the “amazing gift” was that it makes one realise that there is still “so much goodness in the world,” says Ross.
The new pool safety net will provide peace of mind for the foster parents to the Matchbox Baby
According to the Matchbox Babies website, 22 babies are abandoned in Gauteng every day, of which only about seven are found alive. Moreover, about 30 children are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect on a daily basis.
The organisation works tirelessly every day to create a new culture where every child is loved and nurtured on a one-on-one basis so that they can learn to bond in a family environment. This makes it easier for them to integrate into a forever family.
Put differently: Matchbox Babies is creating safety nets of their own for these vulnerable infants and giving them another shot at reaching their full potential in life.
Rest easy
Knowing you have a good safety net can help you rest easy at night. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs teaches us that, besides air and food, a feeling of safety has to come before anything else.
We’re happy that our small donation means that a foster Mom can rest easy, safe in the knowledge that her Matchbox Baby is safe in a loving home.