The founder of a non-profit organisation in Ottery is trying to get back on her feet after two of her board members allegedly bankrupted her.
Nicole Poggenpoel, 28, established the Ada Roslind Foundation in 2015 to help vulnerable children, but had to close the doors for two years because she lacked funds.
“I had a relative and a close friend on the board of the foundation. Things were going well until mid-June 2016.
“I realised things were not well when people started asking me about why payments were not made or were late,” Nicole explains.
“I looked at the (financial) books and the income and expenses weren’t matching.
“We had an accountant who never picked this up, only to realise the accountant was in on it.
“In August 2016, we were thrown out of our offices. We were bankrupt.”
Nicole says her foundation was started to help kids.
“I was involved in drugs, alcohol, prostitution, and my breaking point came when I lost my grandmother.
“I have my auxiliary social work degree and, working at orphanages, I saw they were filled to capacity.
“These children had a roof over their heads, but no love,” Nicole says.
Her dream is to rent homes in various areas and then place children there.
“The foundation has tutor programmes we charge for and we have been putting a portion of the monies away for the children’s homes.”
If you’d like to assist by donating or becoming involved, contact Nicole on 067 043 5558.