Clothing, Shoes and Toys
In 2003, the Trust canvassed six schools* in the UK to “adopt” the Holy Cross Hospice and Sister Priscilla’s programmes. Over a three month period, some 6 tons of clothing, shoes, educational aids, toys and stationery were collected and packaged and, in July of 2003, a fully loaded 40ft container was shipped from the UK to the Holy Cross Hospice.
Unfortunately, on arrival in Durban the container was impounded by the SA Customs authorities on the grounds were that, although all items other than the clothing could gain entry duty free as they were being imported by a registered charity, the clothing could not. The import of second hand clothing was prohibited, even by registered charities, following a change in legislation aimed at protecting the South African textile and clothing industry. The only possible grounds for entry were if the clothing was necessary to meet the needs of a national disaster.
Representations were made to local, provincial and State authorities to have the container fully released and although all items other than the clothing could be cleared, it was felt that this would be impractical and costly as the clothing represented the vast majority of the goods in the container. Months went by and demurrage charges began to mount. Ultimately, direct representation was made to Graca Machel, the wife of Nelson Mandela, and to the State President, Thabo Mbeki.
After 18 months of representations and meetings, the container was cleared duty free and all demurrage was waived. The clearing agent, who had represented us pro bono throughout the saga, also delivered the container to the Holy Cross Hospice free of charge.
The container finally reached its destination in January 2005. Sister Priscilla arranged for a large portion of the goods to be distributed on the day of arrival of the container and the week that followed. This was fortuitous as it coincided with the imminent commencement of the school year and the children were desperate for clothing. Some of the Trustees and their families had travelled to South Africa and were able to help unload and distribute the clothes on the day. The occasion was a moving and heart warming experience and the local press covered the saga fully.
The toys and educational equipment in the crèche and the remainder of the clothing and shoes are being distributed over time given the vast quantity collected. This year some of the new intake of children at the crèche are being kitted with clothes from the container that left the UK some 5 years ago!
Our thanks go out to the pupils, parents and teachers of Papplewick , Lambrook Haileybury, Worth School, The Marist School Ascot, St John’s Beaumont and St Mary’s Ascot.
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