Sport keeps our kids active and engaged
“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson
We believe sport and being active is a key ingredient in the life of a healthy, well-rounded child. All our children are encouraged to get involved in sport whether it’s at school level, club or at Kids Haven. “Team sports are so important for the children. They learn to work together, lean on each other and deal with conflict in a healthy way. It’s also about communication and respect for your team players,” says Kids Haven’s cricket coach, Pat Famu. Along with that, exercising releases happy endorphins, is a great way to burn energy and being in the sunshine with friends does wonders for mental health.
Our children are involved in a variety of sports including netball, football, cricket, rugby, hockey. Athletics and more. All these sports require kit and gear. “We are always so grateful to receive new or previously-loved sports equipment as donations. We want our kids to arrive at school or club practices with everything they need to participate in the sport. Please consider Kids Haven when you are looking for a home for your gear. We are also always on the look out for sponsors willing to provide uniforms for our teams. If this is you, please contact Kids Haven. The kids’ faces light up when they see new team uniforms for the season,” says Susan Daly, fundraising manager Kids Haven.
A visit to the beach – why outings are so important
During September groups of very excited Kids Haven children got to visit the sea for the very first time! Kids Haven was given the use of timeshare units in Durban way back in 1990 and because of this kindness we are able to send a few children to the sea each year. There is nothing more magical than this experience. Despite some interesting weather to start with, including snow, each of the three groups had a wonderful time and enjoyed sunshine on the beach. They were accompanied by our house mums and childcare workers and get to go to the beach, enjoy the Durban North promenade and experience a real beach holiday for the first time.
Outings like this expose the children to different aspects of life and they love it! We enjoy visits to the theatre, zoo, bunny park, hiking (see next story) and live sports matches – and anything else that comes along. If you can sponsor an outing or have any connections that could help Kids Haven with an outing please reach out to us on hello@kidshaven.co.za. We appreciate you!
Hiking is walking talking therapy
Hiking is walking talking therapy for our children and young adults combined with healthy living and a chance to develop a love for our incredible country. We are fortunate to have a former Kids Haven child, now MCSA trained-guide, John, who gives back by taking our children on day and overnight hikes.
In September the children overnighted at Thabaphaswa Sanctuary in Limpopo. They covered an amazing 11km on day one and a whopping 22km on day two – much of it uphill. Along the way they spotted giraffe and kudu and possibly a lion – although it may have been a kudu-shaped lion. The kids prepared their own meals and really enjoyed the campfire cooking. All of these young people are participating in the President’s Award for leadership. “All the hikers learnt teamwork, patience, and a respect for nature. Limpopo’s warm climate proved true, with refreshing mountain breezes – perfect conditions for hiking and bonding,” said John.
Kids Haven ceo, Sam Mokgopha, joined the children on a different hike in Suikerbosrand. After a 11km hike, one the of the children said to Sam, ‘Yoh Uncle. Tonight I eat, I bath, I sleep!’. Sam says, “These hikes teach our children about persevering in the face of adversity, how to rely on those around them for support and to appreciate their bodies and what they are capable of. It isn’t easy for everyone. But it is so valuable. We appreciate the many donors who help us make this happen.”
Letters of appreciation from our former children
We are always delighted to receive letters of appreciation from our former children and received these during September. We thought we should share…
Home sweet home. I will never forget where I come from and I would like to say thanks to everyone who was on my side when things did not work out for me. I will always be grateful to Kids Haven. Hala to Starlight, my first home. Sunflower was the place I got to know myself. I hope I can one day give back. One day is one day. All love to you Kids Haven – Paul Booysen
Never forget the hands that feed you, the hands that make sure you have a roof over your head, the roof that made you go to the best school in Gauteng, the roof that is making us become something in society. The morals they instilled in us is what we are carrying into this world. We will be in the light because we showed the devil that even if he fraught our destiny at a young age, we are still here trying to show the ones that are behind us that it can be done. – SS who lived at Kids Haven in 2009.
Get Involved
You can get involved by volunteering, donating money or second hand goods.
If you think your company could help make a difference please contact us.