A Tribute to Monika

“Homes to Grow” has been running for eleven years! We look back at all the trials and tribulations and are thankful for overcoming many hurdles. The journey has not been easy – and challenges will always present, but it is all the more worthwhile seeing how the children respond and grow with our nurturing support. Each trustee plays a crucial role, but we especially pay tribute to Monika for her tireless efforts.

Celebrating her 80th birthday, we’ve found a selection of photos from past files, showing her hands-on approach – her love of the children, and her continuous support and encouragement. Those who know Monika well, will often note how much she can pack into a day, and that she keeps going well past midnight on this or that project. Always on call for getting the children to various extra-curricular school functions or to appointments for checking the status of their health; waiting interminably at doctors consultancy rooms or hospitals. Arranging fundraising drives, taking the children on educational or fun outings…. besides the many tasks she undertook whilst holding the “Chair” for so many years.

Love and encouragement.

Reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Spontaneity.

Physio session after hip surgery.

Learning to walk again.

Some years later, she can dance!

This nurturing instinct also extends to growing plants…. those green fingers of hers can coax anything to grow! She encourages the mothers to grow vegetables and the children all chip in to help. It’s also a pleasure visiting her at her apartment, walking through a courtyard filled with greenery: flowering orchids, wonderful succulents and hanging baskets.

Those gardening skills.

The little assistant.

An appreciation of growing and caring for plants.

During this time of pandemic and social-distancing, instead of inviting her friends and colleagues to celebrate an 80th Birthday Bash on August 30th, she is donating R3000 to the trust. For those who would like to mark the occasion, she requests that in lieu of gifts we may also consider making a donation. Also as previously posted there is an option of purchasing copies of Suzette Duby’s watercolour scenes from past calendars. As spring comes blazing in with swathes of colourful wild flowers, this is fittingly captured in one of the scenes.