Type Community organization | Region served South Africa | |
Motto "Our children are our future." Legal status Non-profit organization Purpose "To improve the lives of HIV/Aids infected and affected children and adults through treatment, clinics, feeding schemes, counselling, Home-based care, crèches and support groups." Headquarters KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | ||
1000 Hills Community Helpers is a non-profit organization in South Africa devoted to improving the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Contents
The organization was first established in 1989 by Dawn Leppan and Alan Paton, originally as a program to feed those in poverty and suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS. After seeing the overwhelming amount of people in need, it was concluded that something more would need to be done, thus founding 1000 Hills Community Helpers.
The Community is located in KwaZulu-Natal, east of the city of Pietermaritzburg almost to the Indian ocean just north of the coastal city of Durban. It consists of a health and wellness clinic, children's infirmary, feeding scheme, and education and development facility. The clinic is open five days a week, dedicating different days to the elderly, children, open clinic days, and counseling groups for those who need support.
Founder
Dawn Leppan was raised by her grandparents who owned a restaurant near the main highway which meandered through the Valley, en route to Durban. She mirrored her grandmother's humanitarianism and founded the 1000 Hills Community Helpers organization. Leppan has won many awards in recognition for her accomplishments, including the Paul Harris Award.
Community Clinics
The clinic at the centre operates with the help of retired and volunteer doctors and paediatricians as well as nursing sisters. There is a pharmacy run by a retired pharmacist as well as an emergency ward and a 24-hour emergency service run by Dawn. The aim of the clinic is to improve the lives of babies, children and adults infected and affected by chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis, Diabetes, Cancer, Arthritis and Hypertension.