[imagesource:befunky]
A Cape Town family’s act of goodwill is turning into a nasty battle after they demanded the return of toys they donated to a children’s shelter.
The shelter has been shocked by the request and legal threats after the family requested their donation be returned in full.
Katherine Brink, a child expert who manages the Little Brinks NPO shared the strange request on social media as a seemingly charitable act has now become petty.
“I’m just still in absolute horror,” said Brink, who had known the donor through Facebook for several years. “She asked to bring her daughter to drop off donations. I said yes, as we normally make an appointment and do a handover, so the kids don’t get too excited and go through the toys before I can see who needs what and dish it out fairly.”
Brink and her husband manage the charity at Cape Farms, which supports numerous families and has provided daily soup kitchens since 2008. The NPO is entirely dependent on donations, such as the controversial donation of toys that was delivered by the mother and daughter on 20 August.
The act of kindness took a turn ten days later when Brink received a message requesting the return of two dolls and a stuffed horse toy. Unfortunately, these items had already been given to the children, who had since left the safe house. Adding to the confusion, the donor’s former partner contacted Brink, claiming that the box of toys was not intended for donation.
“He said we need to find everything, and it must not be damaged. However, the kids in care have special needs, and I could never guarantee that, ever. He said the box was not his ex’s to donate, and he wants everything back. He said he doesn’t care what I think; he wants them back so he could sell them.”
Among the toys was a doll that had already been given to a young girl who suffered from foetal alcohol syndrome.
“She sobbed, telling me the girl gave her the toys, and it’s hers. She is two and has foetal alcohol syndrome, so rules and consistency are very important in her life. This is heartbreaking.”
Throughout the ordeal, the donor’s former partner threatened legal action over the toys.
“Wow. This is a first,” Brink remarked in disbelief. “In 20 years of doing charity work, I have never had someone come back and do this. I would have understood one item by accident or even a couple, but to demand the entire box and threaten legal action was a first.”
Whether this is just a petty ‘divorce fight’ over toys, or someone forgot about dollars stuffed into a teddy is not clear, but it seems cruel to involve kids who already have very little to begin with.
If you want to help out the NPO who got dragged into this mess, you can make a donation to Little Brinks at:
Little Brinks can also be contacted via email at kath@littlebrinks.co.za or via its Facebook page, Little Brinks NPO 176-343.
[source:capetownetc]
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