Giving time, talents and love

Celebrating our wonderful women

Imagine dedicating your life to caring for children that are not your own? Imagine spending every spare moment working to get children documented so they have rights? Imagine volunteering to sort donations, books and clothing knowing it all benefits children in need? Well, this is what so many amazing women do at Kids Haven and this month we celebrate them all. Thank you for your servant hearts. Here are a few of their stories..

I was born in raised in a small village in Limpopo. My mother was a teacher and my father a police officer. I grew up in a warm and comfortable home. My parents separated and after that my siblings and I stayed with our father. Our home became a physically and emotionally abusive household and we eventually fled to my mother’s family. It was here that I started receiving counselling and met social workers and found out what they do. Sadly, my mom passed away when I was 15 and we made the choice to return to my father. We went to boarding school and again I was exposed to social workers and counsellors and it was at this point that I decided that after school I wanted to do social work. I felt like social work had chosen me because of my life’s circumstances.

I didn’t qualify for a social work degree so at first, I went to Unisa and did a PR diploma. I then did a marketing diploma course – all to stay away from my father and the continued abusive relationship. After getting my diplomas I was accepted to do a social work degree at Unisa. I volunteered at SANCA and then started working there permanently. A friend suggested that I apply for a position at Kids Haven. I hadn’t even heard of the organisation before. I went for my interview and met Uncle Sam who I had once met and he remembered me saying he was impressed with my work ethic and the sweet way I had assisted a client. I go the job and had to dive in immediately. It was a new challenge every day and that has continued. There is always something new on a daily basis that I have to find solutions for.

Working at Kids Haven I have got to meet kids and adults who were in the same situation that I grew up in if not worse. Now I can tell my story without crying. I’ve now seen worse and it is a healing journey for me. The journey is knowing that tomorrow I am going to change someone’s life. Getting a child documented, taking a food parcel, receiving those thank yous, going for a home visit and assessing the situation and then seeing a child happy in a new situation at Kids Haven – it’s like being a mother to these children. It has all helped me heal. I really enjoy working at Kids Haven. I am so grateful, I am growing in my career and personally, my colleagues are amazing. I believe Kids Haven chose me. Seeing people who are hopeless and giving them hope. To me that is everything.

Celebrating Sue Matthews – volunteer book sorter

Sue Matthews (second from right) with her book sorting team (from left) Pat, Manthai and Cally.

Sue has been involved with Kids Haven for many years and in 2021 started volunteering to sort all the donated books we receive. Here is a message written by Cally Eckard who volunteers alongside Sue:
At the heart of every strong organisation there’s often someone quietly holding a thousand strings together – and for us that person is Sue Matthews.
Since Sue took over management of the book warehouse she has poured her energy and determination into every corner of it. With her ‘never-say-die’ attitude she’s managed to turn ideas into reality – from organizing book sales of every kind to running the hugely successful Book Fair, which has not only raised much-needed funds but also became a vibrant community event.
Sue was also instrumental in setting up the Book Shop at Tait House which has quickly become popular and is more than paying its own way. Her years of experience in the charity shop and children’s home world means she has built a wide network of contacts. Thanks to Sue, countless donated items – the kind others might have overlooked – have found new homes instead of ending up in the recycling bin.
She is tireless in her work: arriving before volunteers, staying long after, and still finding time to meet with book dealers, other charities, and Kids Haven leadership. Yet, no matter how full her schedule, she always has time for people. Volunteers know they can turn to her with questions and walk away encouraged, equipped and inspired.
What makes Sue stand out isn’t just her ability to manage, plan and create without a budget – it’s her generous spirit. She is full of ideas, always finding new ways to grow the warehouse and raise funds for Kids Haven. But she does it all with kindness, humility and an open heart.
Sue, we celebrate you – not only for what you do but for who you are. You remind us that passion, hard work, and a generous heart can make an extraordinary difference.

Connie Biyela – a shy volunteer to a proud fundraiser

Everyone who drops off donations at our Bryanston centre is greeted by our smiling and kind Connie. Here is her story…

I began my journey at Kids Haven after being retrenched from the diamond industry. What started as a volunteering opportunity quickly became a life-changing path. I moved from volunteering to admin, then assistant fundraiser, and now a proud fundraiser. When I first arrived I was shy, afraid to speak to people, had no experience in the world of charity but with the support of the incredible Kids Haven team I was guided, taught and encouraged and slowly found my confidence and purpose. Now I love being part of a passionate team working hard to protect and care for vulnerable children. Meeting donors, sharing our mission and inspiring other to get involved fills me with joy. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing how even one small act can help change a child’s life. And just one life changed can make a big difference. Another joy is having the privilege of mentoring young interns at our donation centre. Helping them grow from shy and uncertain to confident young people with real-world skills just as I once did. At Kids Haven we believe in second chances through the power of community. I’m grateful to be part of a place where every day brings hope, not just for the children but for everyone who walks through our doors.

Connie (third from left) receiving a donation at the Bryanston Centre – always a welcoming smile!

Have you booked your four-ball yet? Golf Day – 9 October

Calling all golfers! We need you! We are looking for more four-balls to enter our annual Golf Day on Thursday 9 October at the Wanderers Golf Club. All proceeds go to the care, education and protection of our children and young people at Kids Haven. It’s always a great feel-good day with super prizes, sunshine and fun. Contact Sue Daly today on sue@kidshaven.co.za to enter your four-ball.
We are also looking for sponsorships for the half-way house and the dinner as well as hole sponsorships, four-ball prizes, donated prizes to auction off, goodies to put into hampers and items for 300 goodie bags. If you can help in any way please contact Connie on connie@kidshaven.co.za.
Thank you for your support!

Three youth chosen for Autozone learnership – we couldn’t be prouder!

We are thrilled to celebrate Siyabonga, Jabu, and Nthabeleng, three exceptional young individuals from Kids Haven, who have secured spots in the upcoming AutoZone South Africa Learnership, commencing this September.

This opportunity marks the beginning of their life-changing journey, as they embark on their first work experience. Siyabonga, a current participant in our Kids Haven Pathway Program, discovered renewed hope and direction through our CV preparation and job readiness initiatives. Similarly, Jabu and Nthabeleng have consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, resilience, and an unshakeable drive to forge brighter futures.

These placements not only represent opportunities but also serve as powerful testaments to the transformative impact of preparation, self-belief, and access.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to AutoZone South Africa for being an integral part of their journey and for partnering with us to empower young people to thrive and reach their full potential.

Kettles, curtains and irons – we need them. Can you help?

Regular wear and tear and house maintenance is something we tackle on a daily basis. This month we are in need of new kettles, curtains and irons for our houses in the Village. If you can assist with items or could make a monetary contribution please contact Connie on connie@kidshaven.co.za or scan this QR code to make a donation. We appreciate your help!