Reuniting at Kids Haven

Seeing friends who are family

Friends, house moms and dads, social workers and others gathered at Kids Haven earlier this month to celebrate something very special – a reunion. Former Kids Haven children now all grown up returned to see all those who played a pivotal role in their early lives at Kids Haven.

It was beautiful to see their faces light up as they saw their house brothers and sisters and carers again. It was also inspiring to hear the stories they shared of their experience at Kids Haven and where their lives have lead since then. Here is one such story…

To our deputy mothers and fathers,

We will forever be grateful for your teachings , sacrifices , and efforts in making us the better people that we are today. We came confused, hurt, in distress from different backgrounds and countries. You gave us love and support, made us not to feel the void gap parents left . Made us home away from home. You taught us responsibility, courage and strength that we may have experienced all that we went through for us to end up at Kids Haven but always reminded us that we are loved and cared for. That we matter. That we are equally capable like the rest of the kids out there. It is those words of encouragement and support, actions of selflessness and efforts that today hope is regained and we are better people in our communities. Without you we’d be doomed. I am currently working for the South African Police Service as a Sergeant.

Siyabonga, Starlight and Sunshine House, Kids Haven 2007 to 2011

Moira Simpson, our founder who started Kids Haven in 1992, also attended. Her life’s work is to see children protected, loved and offered a fighting chance in the world. And here they were, the people who had directly benefitted from that passion and vision. They hugged her, thanked her and shared their stories.  

It is important for us to always reconnect with our former children. They give hope to our current children. They show them that perseverance and resilience are possible. That new starts are possible. They encourage all the staff at Kids Haven to keep going. That we are making an impact.

As supporters of Kids Haven, you are a part of their story too. Without your generosity, Kids Haven could not keep going. You are making an impact. You are telling these children and young adults that they matter and have a place in our world.  Thank you. If you are not yet a monthly donor, please consider becoming one. No amount is too small. Being able to count on a monthly income means we can budget and allocate funds to where we need them.

Support our Residential Care programme by becoming a monthly donor.

Wrestling fun

We have a very committed and serious group of young wrestlers at Kids Haven being trained for upcoming competitions. Their coach says they always arrive on time with great determination and positive attitudes. We are very proud of them and can’t wait to see how they do but, more importantly, these young men are learning about perseverance, showing up and giving your all – incredible life skills. Sport and physical activities are an essential part of a child’s development growing up. If this is something you are passionate about and would like to find out more, please get in touch – hello@kidshaven.co.za.

Thank you, Deloitte, for loving our children

A team from Deloitte visited Kids Haven this month to spend some time having fun with our children and what a great time they had! Other Deloitte colleagues got stuck in at the Head Office making homemade playdough, counting games, feely bags and play mats for imaginative play. All these items are being enjoyed at Kids Haven and by children in the communities we support. We love games that grow brains, exercise little fingers, and expand creative thinking and problem solving.

There are always so many ways in which you can get involved with Kids Haven. Please get in touch and we can let you know what we need and how you can assist. Contact hello@kidshaven.co.za.

Save the Date – Golf Day 29 Oct 2026

Please save the date, get your four-balls together and let us know if you are interested in sponsoring an aspect of the day or can donate prizes. We are always so grateful for all the support we get to make it a wonderful day for a great cause. Contact events@kidshaven.co.za and let us know how you would like to get involved.

Mandela Day – something for everyone