Dear Kalk Bay Community,

On this special Mandela Day, our hearts were filled with pride and warmth as we gathered outside The Kalk Bay Haven to pay homage to the legendary Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, lovingly known as Madiba. Despite the gloomy weather, our spirits shone brightly as we united to make a meaningful impact and strengthen the bond with our shelter and the greater community.

The Double My R100 Drive

The day kicked off with a powerful initiative - The Double My R100 Drive. As some of our clients attended their various programs, our team, led by our dedicated hosts, social workers, and manager, ventured out with awareness banners to share the shelter's mission with the community.

At first, there was a hint of hesitation among our clients, but as the day progressed, the community rallied behind us. Smiles, waves, donations, and hooting cars filled the air, demonstrating the incredible support and compassion of our fellow residents. The drive showcased the true power of coming together, breaking down barriers, and embracing unity.

A Day Filled with Heartwarming Gestures

The magic of the day continued with heartwarming gestures from our incredible community. Vanessa from Harbor House kindly provided a hake parcel, offering a warm meal to everyone at the shelter, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy among us.

Another group that touched our hearts was the students from False Bay College TVET, Fish Hoek Campus, led by Ms. King and Mr. J du Plessis. Their visit sparked an interest in the shelter's daily activities, and they decided to organise a blanket drive to support our cause. Witnessing their kindness firsthand reaffirmed the impact of reaching out and supporting those in need. During a closing prayer, one student’s compassion was clearly visible as the tears overwhelmed her.

The Innocent Power of Compassion

Among the visitors, one young soul left a profound impact on us all. An 8-year-old girl approached the entrance gate with a bag of peanut butter sandwiches she had lovingly prepared. Her sincere desire to share with those less fortunate touched our hearts deeply, reminding us of the immense power even the smallest acts of kindness hold.

A Generous Community

Throughout the day, the generosity of our community shone brightly. Amy and Belinda together with two young boys delivered clothes, Bevan's donation of towels, Liz's extra blankets, and the naartjies from the Muizenberg Community Kitchen all contributed to the atmosphere of unity and support.

Thank You, Kalk Bay!

(This article was written by Quintin Ellis, one of our talented clients.)