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Kaycee chats to founder Lindsay Ziehl about this innovative NPO.
This NPO has a whole new take on how to assist victims of domestic violence. Founder Lindsay Ziehl, established this organization in memory of her late son, Andrew.
The Andrew Ziehl Foundation was created to continue his giving and kind spirit towards fellow humans. Andrew stood strongly against domestic violence, a field in which Lindsay has decades of work experience.
While there are interventions and shelters for abused people in South Africa, the Foundation notes that Domestic Violence statistics are not decreasing. People shy away from following through with criminal charges against their abuser. This is where shelters fall short – they provide temporary refuge, but ultimately little long-term support and benefit, as people proceed with legal cases and beyond. Without support, financial need often pushes the abused persons back into the home of their abusers.
The Andrew Ziehl Foundation recognises the courage of women who endure the trauma of legal cases to ensure their abuser ends up behind bars. This is the only way that abusers will get the message that their behaviour is unacceptable, and jail time keeps abusers away from vulnerable members of their communities. However, once the abuser is in jail, he is guaranteed shelter, meals, clothing, and even the opportunity to study further. The victim and her family are left with nothing but the absence of (usually) their breadwinner.
This is where the Foundation intervenes. We aim to reward women whose bravery in proceeding with criminal charges has taken abusers off the street. Women apply to us, and we work with them to ascertain their situation and their needs. We purchase what is needed to keep their lives on track, whether it is a set of school uniforms or a course for the applicant to become marketable and earn an income. Assist with daycare for children so that the person can work. These are just a few examples.
We are committed to ensuring that there are accountability procedures in place and these will be monitored and the support evaluated to ensure that no value is wasted where it may have benefited another person in need.
Due to our experience, we know that running an aid organisation has its pitfalls. The first is that when cash is given to victims, sometimes it is not spent as intended. Another is that beneficiaries only receive around 60% of donations, as the rest is used to cover the running costs of the organisation. Again, the Andrew Ziehl Foundation is different in these two aspects. First, the Foundation’s representatives identify exactly where the money needs to go, and the supplier is paid directly. Also, 100% of donations are allocated to applicants. This gives donors and beneficiaries peace of mind that all money is spent on improving the lives of the individuals.
We believe that this hands-on approach to supporting courageous people is what will ultimately make a difference in domestic violence statistics in South Africa. Having survived the abuse itself, reliving it through a court case, and trying to rebuild their lives while their abuser is in prison, let us not allow them to be discouraged. They are moving in the right direction!
We appeal to like-minded people and companies to invest in our vision of empowering South Africans, showing them that their strength and perseverance do not go unnoticed. They are the game-changers, and with your help, we can support them in their battle.
(Donors will be eligible for an 18a tax declaration).
Should you wish to donate, please contact:
Lindsay Ziehl
060 602 6892 (in South Africa)
+27 60 602 6892 (outside of South Africa)
Email: andrewziehlfoundation@gmail.com
You can also support the Andrew Ziehl Foundation by advertising on our website:
(Given that advertising is regarded by law as gainful, advertisers will not be eligible for an 18a tax declaration).
Banking Details should you wish to donate.
BANK: ABSA
ACCOUNT NAME: The A-TO-Z FOUNDATION NPC
Account Number: 41-0344-8775
Branch Code: 632005
Absa Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ
Pictured below: Lindsay after having received her MBE from the Queen - yes that is James Corden!
We are proud to announce that Lindsay will soon be publishing a book about domestic violence.
