Sunday, February 8, 2009

Fox’s gift to refugee kids - The Times


Former DJ aids Zimbabwean children

NEWLYWED Nicole Fox, the feisty former 5FM DJ, journeyed to the Limpopo border town of Musina at the weekend to see at first-hand the Zimbabwean children whom she hopes to help.

Fox, who married Lebanese millionaire businessman Ramzi Mansour last month, has earmarked R50000 for Unicef’s mission to help the desperate children who have sought refuge in the town.

The cash was donated by the couple’s 76 wedding guests in lieu of wedding gifts.

“For us, it is the gift that keeps on giving. Instead of receiving a kitchen appliance, we can help keep a child alive,” Fox said.

Fox and Unicef representatives focused their attention on the scores of children crossing the Zimbabwean border into South Africa every day in the hope of a better life.

With the number of children crossing into Musina increasing steadily, the situation has become “an acute problem”.

The town was until recently the centre of a cholera outbreak that has left at least 56 people dead and almost 8500 infected. More than 1700 unaccompanied children are in Musina, Heidi Loening-Voisey, of Unicef’s child protection arm, told The Times.

The organisation is worried the children, most of them between seven and 18 years old, could fall victim to sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Their immediate needs, food and shelter, are a great concern, as well as their long- term needs, such as education and care,” Loening-Voisey said.

Fox, who turns 33 today, will work with Unicef to raise awareness of the vulnerability of women and children.

“I had an abusive relationship in the past and so can relate to people, and try to help as honestly as possible,” she said.


-The Times

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