Marie-Victoire Cumming and Zamazulu Zulu both work at LITTLE EDEN, and are passionate about making a difference, in more ways than one, to the lives of one of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. Marie, a music therapist at LITTLE EDEN, Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home, works first-hand with the residents (lovingly called Angels) while Zama performs an administration function at LITTLE EDEN. They will both be part of #TeamLittleEden riding in the 2018 Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge on 18 November to raise funds towards the care and support of 300 LITTLE EDEN Angels, living with profound intellectual disability – most of whom are also wheelchair bound.
While both have been riding and raising funds for LITTLE EDEN for some years now (Marie for 5 years and Zama for 4 years) this year is different in that they get to participate in the first LITTLE EDEN crowdfunding campaign on the givengain website. The #Pillows4Angels campaign will raise funds to give LITTLE EDEN Angels the gift of #SoundSleep. The aim to raise a total of R61 200 by 30 November towards 306 specialised pillows for our precious Angels. This campaign is part of the bigger bedding project where we want to provide specialised mattresses for each of our Angels to ensure their comfort and contentment.
When asked why they are riding for LITTLE EDEN, Marie feels there is “a sense of love” in the home.” She further says: “The Angels radiate beauty and ability and this makes my heart full. They are worthy of recognition.” Zama responded and said working at LITTLE EDEN has taught her about unconditional love. She sees LITTLE EDEN as a safe haven, a home away from home for not only our residents but also the employees. Both riders have a special relationship with the residents. Marie did not want to mention names of specific residents closest to her heart, while Zama sees 6 year old Lebo as her little Angel. ”I love her smile and the spark in her eyes. She melts my heart and also encourages me to do more as an employee, because at the end of the day they rely on us and God.”
By riding the 947 Cycle Challenge for LITTLE EDEN, Marie and Zama also hope to increase awareness of profound mental disability, which is the rarest and most severe form of intellectual disability – comprising of just under 2% worldwide of individuals with mental disability. In many instances a person with profound mental disability may be blind, deaf, mute and or physically disabled and because of their condition will never be able to work, live alone or care for themselves. The residents will never know what it is like to cycle, but through the campaign, Zama and Marie want to contribute to supporting at least one Angel in getting #SoundSleep.
Although Marie and Zama will have their own fundraising campaigns, LITTLE EDEN supporters are invited to donate on givengain .
Marie feels people must support LITTLE EDEN because each Angel has huge potential. “We need to provide opportunities for the residents to gain a sense of identity and to allow for self-expression. We need to continue to understand each Angel’s needs individually and to create an environment which is supportive to their needs. Supporting LITTLE EDEN will assist to raise awareness and assist financially towards the care of the residents. Zama says: “Support goes a long way in helping us care for Angels. I’ve heard horrific stories about other organisations but it very comforting to know that we still have good ones and LITTLE EDEN is one of them.” Both Marie and Zama invite everyone to get to know our residents by arranging a visit to our Homes.
To donate towards the #Pilliows4Angels #SleepSound campaign visit: https://www.givengain.com/cause/11242/campaigns/18703
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