- News24 celebrated 30-year-old Dora Jones' birthday by donating a variety of items to Children of Fire.
- bronwen In 1997, Jones, who adopted Dora, founded Children of Fire, a nonprofit organization that empowers young burn victims in Africa.
- She urged the community to visit the organization's website and donate.
The air in Johannesburg's Coronationville is filled with the lively chatter of children as community members gather in the narrow, busy streets to celebrate the 30th birthday of resilient burn victim Dora Jones. It was crowded with people and laughter.
Thirty years ago, in Coronationville, she was just six months old when she became C.ah A fire in the shed claimed the life of her brother and left her with severe injuries to her body.She has had to undergo 35 surgeries so far.
Medical predictions were that she would not survive past her 30th birthday, but the odds were against her and she proved them wrong.
Bronwen Jones adopted her at an early age and provided a warm and loving home for other children who had suffered a similar fate to hers.
Jones said she felt a deep human connection between her and 6-month-old Dora and immediately responded.
she She felt like she saw her own child or sister in Dora and couldn't bear the thought of leaving her in such a dire situation.
Jones founded Children of Fire, a nonprofit organization that empowers young burn victims in Africa. This initiative supports both prevention and healing, as well as supporting and educating the communities survivors call home.
News24 has made a much-needed donation to the organization.
News24 celebrated 30-year-old Dora Jones' birthday by donating a variety of items to Children of Fire. (Alfonso Nkunjana/News24)
Children celebrate Dora's 30th birthday at Joe Slovo's informal settlement. (Alfonso Nkunjana/News24)
Children celebrate Dora's 30th birthday at Joe Slovo's informal settlement. (Alfonso Nkunjana/News24)
News24 Editor-in-Chief Mpho Laborife said:
News24 is here to celebrate Dora's bravery and resilience. We also donate because we know what it's like for organizations like Children of Fire to help those less fortunate. Otherwise, society would not have thought twice about contributing or donating to such people. It also aims to support the children of victims.
To celebrate Dora, 200 chairs, 12 tablecloths, 200 bottles of juice and plates were donated.
Director Jones said, “Dora embodies the essence of a superhero, defying all odds and standing as the ultimate survivor when no one believed she could survive.” 's ordeal unfolded as he emerged from the flames in a hidden shed in Coronation Buildings, with no name on the street.'' When hope is about to be lost. ”
Tshidi Plaatjie, Coronation Building Residentadded: “The bond between Bronwen and Dora deeply respected within our community. bronwen It has been a fixture in Coronationville for many years and has truly become one with us. ”
Nelson described Dora as a cheerful and outspoken person who liked to listen to the radio. (Alfonso Nkunjana/News24)
Bronwen Jones adopted Dora as a young child and provided a warm and loving home for her and other children who had suffered a similar fate. (Alfonso Nkunjana/News24)
Dora Jones and her siblings face a terrible tragedy when a cabin fire takes their lives. (Alfonso Nkunjana/News24)
Seiso Ratswana, Nelson Shabalala and Tshepiso Maimela, who live with Jones and consider Dora like a sister, wore them. Her pink T-shirt had the words “Happy Birthday Dora” written on it.
Ratswana described Dora as a cheerful and outspoken person who loved listening to the radio.
Shabalala warmly recalled playful food fights with Dora, saying that Dora always won and that pink was Dora's most cherished color.
Read | Joburg burn survivor seeks help to fly to KZN for reconstructive surgery
“Dora is quiet and likes to play and exercise,” Maimela said.
Jones encouraged community members to take a moment to visit the nonprofit's website and contribute to its efforts. This is a potentially life-changing and transformative action.
