After a community in Kenton-on-Sea lost a precious teenager, they united to help her family and friends heal in a way Jade would’ve adored. Through Beads for Jade, they have been able to provide grief counselling, community support, and an incredible way to honour Jade’s impactful life:

Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa (23 February 2024) — On 01 January, a small coastal town in the Eastern Cape experienced one of the toughest things any community will go through. A beacon of light named Jade, lost her life at just 16 years old after she was knocked over by a car while crossing the road.

As community member Warren Gibson tells Good Things Guy:

“She was a shining light in the community, it’s affected all of us as she was loved by everyone.

“Jade was loud and friendly. Caring and honest. Kind and helpful. Incredibly creative and hard-working and spent hours beading her own range of necklaces. She was the first at any charity event/fundraiser/community upliftment opportunity.”

When incidents like this shatter a close-knit community, it can be so incredibly tough to put the pieces back together. But, as Warren shares, this community have found a way in a very literal sense.

Jade used to make her own beaded jewellery and sell it in shops like the one Warren and his wife have (where Jade also used to work). Continuing what Jade started, friends of hers began their healing process by beading and being together. All in her honour, bead by bead and piece by piece, they have managed to put together beautiful necklaces while piecing their collective hearts together again.

 

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A post shared by Beads for Jade (@beadsforjade)

One Saturday, teenagers and adults sat making the necklaces. Soon, it became a weekly thing. Making these pieces of jewellery has honoured Jade in a way her friends are sure she would’ve adored. And by selling them, the makers have been able to provide grief counselling for her family and friends.

Where grief often has a way of isolating us, Beads for Jade is a reminder as to why coming together matters so much.

Sources: Website Submission

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Beads for Jade Honour the Bright Life of a Community’s Beacon  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Buffel the elephant seal (and local sealebrity) has what some might call guardian angels on the lookout during his ‘holiday’ in Hermanus. Thanks to these hero volunteers, Buffel’s very vulnerable time is being watched over; keeping him safe and healthy:

Hermanus, South Africa (22 February 2024) — A team of volunteers came together after community organisation Onrus Vermont SRA (who are dedicated to serving their community and environment) put out the call for people to volunteer their time as guardian angels of Buffel, the elephant seal.

This call was to ensure that Buffel’s haul in Hermanus (moulting time in the world of the elephant seal) is as safe as possible for as long as he is on our beaches.

Buffel is a very special elephant seal with a penchant for South African beaches when it comes to his annual haul (here’s why!). In fact, since 2016, he’s been spotted making our local coasts his chosen destinations. Given his state as a rare species (even rarer to find hauling in our part of the world), Buffel’s visit is a pretty big deal.

On 8 February ‘Friends of Buffel’ volunteers were called on to keep their eyes and ears on the ground for the elephant seal while he is in his most vulnerable state. This was especially important after Buffel was harassed near Milk on the Beach; forcing him to head to the sea.

Buffel is spending a lot of time on land, cannot hunt and has lost hundreds of kilograms as part of his haul. So any harassment and interference are incredibly disorientating for him.

Luckily for Buffel, his friends have united and been on the case. Meredith Thornton of Onrus Vermont RSA tells Good Things Guy that her team have for 17 days, worked tirelessly to ensure that the famous elephant seal has had a force of kindness backing him.

“It has been amazing to see how the community has rallied to ensure that he is safe while is here,” she shares.

Almost every day since Buffel was discovered in Hermanus, Onrus Vermont have shared updates on him and his wellbeing. This community have not only educated the public and made sure Buffel is protected as long as they’re on call, but also organised donations for security to guard the elephant seal at all hours of the day and night on top of

Buffel’s holiday has since seen him enjoy snoozes in the sand (ever welcomed for his itching skin), celebrate Valentine’s Day with his volunteers, enjoy his own ‘seal resting sign’ (so everyone knows the to be considerate), get his own special tag with his name for mark-recapture, and even experience a little beach yoga.

Buffel’s haul is a month-long experience which will likely continue into early March. But with his friends looking out for him, we’re sure his holiday will be another Cape adventure to remember.

Sources: Onrus Vermont SRA 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Team of Volunteers Keep a Loving Eye on Buffel the Elephant Seal appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A unique film tells the story (based on true events) of how a street kid found hope selling Zulu words instead of begging, and it might just make you cry at the power of resilience:

Johannesburg, South Africa (19 February 2024) — ‘Street Smart’, A short film equal parts unique and heartwarming is reminding South Africans that sometimes the road of struggle is just one powerful idea away from turning into a gentler journey.

Empathy-evoking in the most heart-tugging way, ‘Street Smart’ tells the story of a street child who came up with a very clever idea to pay his way through the world. Making the visual tale even more impactful is the knowledge that this story is based on real-life events; straight from the streets of Johannesburg.

Created by Cape Town indie film maker Tim Greene (‘Boy Called Twist’, ‘Skeem’, ‘The Fury’), today is the short film’s first day of being showcased, and we think it’s well worth a watch for anyone who needs a reminder that the spark of hope can, in fact come from nothing when you apply enough determined friction.

In the short film, the struggling street child learns the difference between begging and giving, and comes up with a sales idea despite having nothing to sell, until he considers a one-of-a-kind offer: selling Zulu words!

As for the creation of the film, Greene notes that it is also an example of unchartered territory as the film was made entirely without cameras, lights or crew—a movement known as ‘real time film making’ through Unreal Engine.

“Whether its using AI text-to-video prompts, or real time 3D animation, the days of photorealistic film-making are approaching fast. It’s both scary and extremely exciting. There’s no stopping it, so the trick is to make sure that you’re on the right side of history!”

Watch: ‘Street Smart’ the Short Film

Sources: Tim Greene; Supplied 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post ‘Street Smart’: How a Boy Found Hope Selling Zulu Words Instead of Begging appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Zack the Spotted Eagle Owl sadly spread his wings for the last time recently at the brilliant ripe old age of 22. However, without rescue intervention, his last years wouldn’t have been nearly as wonderful as they were. Here’s why Zack’s story will fly on forever:

Hartebeesport, South Africa (09 February 2024) — The Owl Rescue Centre frequently shares positive updates on rescues regarding owls and many other animals they take under their wings. Recently, Zack the Spotted Eagle Owl’s story was recapped in honour of the gorgeous bird having spread his wings for the last time. But, despite his passing (at the brilliant, ripe old age of 22) his story has a very happy undertone.

Five years ago, the Spotted Eagle Owl lived a very different life. When it was time for Zack to retire from the Sun City bird park, the Owl Rescue Centre’s team weren’t entirely sure what the best route for him would be.

Zack was already in his ‘golden years’ at 17 years old and had lived in captivity for so long that it made the case tricky.

The puzzle pertained to whether Zack should live what was thought would be his last days in confinement, or whether he should fly free. The answer might seem obvious, but when certain animals are so used to captivity and are habituated to humans, setting them free in old age can be risky.

“We do put a lot of careful consideration into each case for the best outcome for the patient…our sanctuary however is especially set up in an ideal location within a protected conservancy, to provide a safe and controlled environment where these owls can live as free owls, with regular monitoring and under our protective support,” says the ORC. 

ORC decided to take the chance to give Zack his last days in freedom. As it turns out, those days turned into five whole years.

“He had the best days of his life over the last five years,” they added. 

Zack the Spotted Eagle Owl stands as a beacon of what care, consideration and a chance can give you. This is why conservation efforts matter so much, and why his story will fly on forever.

Sources: Owl Rescue Centre 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Zack the Spotted Eagle Owl’s Story Will Fly On Forever appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Decades ago, Mandy and Ian Tyrer began organising the Sunflower Sky Hike in support of cancer warriors. The hike has marched on for 17 years as a incredible source of strength and solidarity. But last year, Mandy and Ian’s son Jarryd found himself facing cancer first-hand; diagnosed with a tumour on the same day he reached his dream of performing on West End:

South Africa (07 February 2024) — In 2007, Mandy and Ian Tyrer put their good hearts to task with a goal to help raise funds for a little cancer warrior named Jade. The Sunflower Sky Hike soon became a gathering of support for cancer warriors as well as those afflicted by the Big C, where steps of solidarity reminded everyone taking part that there was hope. And even when the light seemed dim, and hope slim, and little Jade passed away from cancer at only 8 years old, the Sunflower Sky Hike marched on year after year.

Because support never goes to waste. And there’s always someone who needs it. And remembering the cancer warriors who came before matters; as does celebrating those who kicked cancer’s ass.

Decades later, Mandy and Ian—who continued to lead the hike’s charge annually—found themselves facing cancer in a way that was very close to home. In 2023, their son Jarryd Nurden was diagnosed with a carcinoid lung tumour. It was the very same day that he was about to embark on his dream— performing on the West End.

A malignant diagnosis. Open surgery. An infection. Weeks in hospital. And then a bigger surgery. A lot of pain. Hope. That’s the very short version of what Jarryd went through, and it says a lot.

Says Mandy:

“My proudest moments have been in that hospital room, bigger than any stage debut. Listening and seeing how pragmatically Jarryd has processed this experience! Dreaming and imagining what else is possible! But for now, no income for the last six months and many months of rehabilitation to come, to get him back to peak fitness.”

This year’s Sunflower Sky Hike then, will extend to special honour Jarryd. And hopefully, raise all the funds he needs to get back to health and his career. Additionally, funds will go to Rainbows & Smiles who are champions of support for children fighting cancer, and the Actors Benevolent Fund.

Adds Janine Magree who put the story on Good Things Guy’s radar,

“This wonderful family are such good, community-minded people and it is a huge blow that they are now affected by cancer, especially when they have been helping others through this affliction for the past 17 years. 

The hike is a wonderful event with so much cameraderie and it fosters so much goodwill and awareness.” 

Janine’s son Bryn passed away in 2017 and is remembered as a South African hero and an inspiration. 

You Can Support the Sunflower Sky Hike in the Following Ways:

Join an event:

• Sani Pass on 16 June
• Hyde Park, London on 23 June

Support the gofundme campaign:

• Jarryd’s Sunflower Sky Hike 2024 

You can also join the Sunflower Sky Hike group and spread the word!

Sources: Website Submission 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post The Sunflower Sky Hike: Taking Steps of Solidarity for Cancer Warriors  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A dog mom walked and wheeled the extra mile for her Milo (multiple times) to make sure he got the care he needed from the SPCA:

Grassy Park, South Africa (28 January 2024) — In a heartwarming testament of how far some pet owners are willing to go for their dogs, Chanté van Rooyen missioned for multiple days, without hesitation, so that her dog Milo could get the fighting chance he deserves to beat a life-threatening illness.

For consecutive days, Chanté and Milo missioned to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA after her dog needed treatment for his parvovirus. Parvovirus is the stuff of sleepless nights for loving pet owners, as it can be deadly.

However, this was no regular journey to the SPCA. Chanté committed to making sure Milo was as comfortable as possible by sitting him in a wheelchair while she did the trekking in Cape Town’s hectic heat. The distance saw them mission nearly an hour every day for five days while Milo got his outbound treatment.

While many might’ve said the trek was too far, hot, or that getting him there just wasn’t an option, Chanté made a plan for her pooch, as all responsible pet owners should.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA were very touched by her commitment, sharing:

“The sight of her coming in our gates has given us a much-needed daily dose of inspiration because it reminded us of the incredible power of the bond between a pet and an owner who cares and just what lengths some pet owners will go to for the well-being of their animals.

“Thank you Chanté for your dedication to Milo, for nursing him and making sure he never missed a treatment no matter how difficult it was for you.” 

Chanté’s dedication rings bells of another animal hero—Lister Maseko, who carried her dog Nicky on her back to the Boksburg SPCA and inspired her community.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post That’s Love: Dog Mom Goes the Extra Mile for Her Milo  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

An Uber driver unknowingly saved a passenger’s life when he showed her an act of great kindness. Natasha never forgot Bartho, and recently set out to find and thank him:

Gqeberha, South Africa (25 January 2024) — Natasha Mulusa had kept the pictures of an Uber driver who unknowingly saved her life for nearly four years in hopes that she would one day be able to find and thank him.

It had been a long time since that day in 2020 when what began as a simple drive from one point to another became something that would indirectly turn her life around for the unforgettable.

Natasha was finally ready to tell the story of how Bartho Dick (her then Uber driver’s) simple act of kindness pulled her from depression and even thoughts of taking her own life. It took many years of building up the courage to share a story like this. But, its sharing was important; not only in finding Bartho, but reminding everyone how far kindness can travel.

“On the 08. 02. 2020, I was in deep depression. You know that moment in your life where nothing makes sense, I was at the lowest moments of my life,” she wrote. 

“When I got into the Uber I tried to pretend like I was all good but deep down all I wanted to do was scream my lungs out and cry.” 

She continued:

“I remember this Uber driver asking me, “how are you?” And mahn I don’t know what happened that day but I just burst into the loudest cry.

Bartho kindly asked Natasha if he could stop somewhere, to which Natasha trusted her gut, explaining that “something in [her] spirit could feel that he was God sent”.

“He stopped the car at a very random place, got out the car and asked me to also come out of the car. He gave me a very warm hug.”

The hug made Natasha cry even more as she had been holding her tears back for so long. Despite not knowing her or her situation, Bartho made sure he could at least let her know she wasn’t alone.

“He may not know it but on that day I was ready to commit suicide. I was ready to end it all and just throw in the towel…Thank you Bartho, it’s taken me years to do this but I guess, better late than never. Words or any gift will never match what you did for my life that day. I know God placed you in my life that day to save me. Here are you flowers while you are still alive.”

Bartho eventually came across the post, and this time he was the one in tears.

Taking to TikTok, he shared a heartwarming response. “A big man like me, I’ve been crying the whole day.” He added that he often thought about Natasha whenever he drove by the place he picked her up that day and wondered how she was doing.

“I never knew I saved her life I was just there to give her a hug as I knew she’s not okay,” he shared. 

@barthodick3 #SAMA28 #savedsomoneslife#neverknewsuicideisnotthewayout ♬ original sound – the Uber driver

The pair later reunited on a video call.

“We video called, cried and laughed,” Natasha shared.

Sources: Natasha Mulusa; Bartho Dick 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

saved

The post All the Feels: An Uber Driver Saved a Woman’s Life With a Hug appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Pauline had a simple wish for Christmas: to make her mom, who can no longer cook and lives with Alzheimer’s, a very special meal. Her wish was heard by Liberty’s #DriveHope campaign and soon, all the groceries (and more surprises) were on their sleigh, ready to make a difference!

Atlantis, South Africa (25 December 2023) — For Pauline Steenkamp, making her mother’s Christmas special by cooking up a small feast for her topped any wish list. However, this wasn’t just about the chance to enjoy a delicious Christmas meal together. It was about love in the face of adversity, and the knowing that sometimes, a moment of joy is all we need to push on—even if only Pauline would remember it.

Pauline’s mom, Margaret Williams (affectionately known as Mrs M from her teaching days) has Alzheimer’s. The beloved teacher dedicated 40 years of her life to giving others the gift of education and is still remembered fondly by generations of students from Kerrira Primary School.

Seeing the force of knowledge, that she was struggling so much with the disease of memory, was just one of the reasons Pauline wanted to give her a Christmas her heart would remember. The other reasons were tied to feelings many of us can relate to when it comes to wanting to give our all for those who raised us.

Hoping to get her wish off Santa’s list and into reality, Pauline nominated her mom for Liberty’s #DriveHope campaign in a bid to make the magic happen. Given all the thousands of loved ones whose lives the #DriveHope campaign has brought light to, her wish couldn’t have made its way to better helping hands.

Beyond a most-special meal, Pauline’s nomination was also a chance to give her mom the appreciation she did not always receive in her life.

“The reason why I nominate my mom is simple. She was married to a man who drank every weekend, every holiday, most of the time. She then decided she will not cook a Christmas meal, ever, because there was no one who would appreciate it. When I married and had children, I brought the tradition back to having a family Christmas meal. I always invite mom,” Pauline shared.

After moving back to Cape Town, Pauline was disheartened upon realising that her mom’s Alzheimer’s had gone from “better to worse”; to the point where Margaret can now no longer cook for herself.

“A little Christmas meal would just mean the world to her,” added her daughter in her nomination motivation.

But, the nomination also meant a lot to Pauline and the great respect and love she has for her mom.

“It’s recognition to a retired educator and mother, who does not always remember which day it is today or your name, but is still an educator (to her grandchildren) and a mother (to her children). I hope to give my mother a Christmas that she can remember, even though I will have to remind her, and she will forget, at least I will remember.”

Trade any tears welling up in your eyes for happy ones, because Pauline’s nomination has been selected by Liberty! This is both for the incredibly heartwarming place the simple wish comes from and because what is Christmas if not a time for little miracles?

Pauline received an R5000 Checkers digital voucher so she could make a full and delicious feast for Christmas Day, as well as an R2000 clothing voucher so her mom could buy new outfits!

With hope on the table and in their family’s hearts, the #DriveHope Campaign once again reminds us that sometimes, life’s small boosts can take us the farthest.

About the #DriveHope Campaign

Initially, a platform where Liberty employees could nominate their colleagues and communities experiencing tough times, the campaign became a loud reminder that small boosts matter. Whether it was a small care package for someone struggling to make ends meet or a drive for essential goods in a community that really needed it, #DriveHope has only gotten bigger and more helpful throughout the years. Now, the campaign reaches so many people beyond the company, and the next story of hope might just be yours if you make a nomination!

Sources: Liberty #DriveHope

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post #DriveHope: Christmas Meal Wish Worth Many Memories Comes True for ‘Mrs M’ appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A mother and daughter duo are the unsung fairy godmothers of animals in their community. For seven years, they’ve taken in as many downtrodden friends as possible, and continue to work their magic on healing those struggling.

Durban, South Africa (07 December 2023) — Mother and daughter duo, Laurencia Scott and her mom Elaine are the unsung fairy godmothers of Durban.

When, seven years ago, a chained dog asked for help, hoping someone would understand his unsaid plea, they welcomed the canine into their home — something that would become the beginning of a big mission for their small home.

Over the years, they have been unable to turn away a soul in need. Soon, the space became filled with animal rescues; overflowing with love for creatures in need. It had become a sanctuary for the downtrodden, and a place of purpose for the pair. From nourishing those who had to fight for scraps to healing and rehoming sickly animals, they have worked wonders for so many forgotten lives.

The Cinderella Animal Rescue Durban is true to its name. There are fairy godmothers, lives that have gone from harsh circumstances to a haven, and a spirit of transformation. Now, all they need is a palace (or at least, a bigger space).

As Laurencia shares, despite their boundless love, the limitations of their small space weighed heavily on the duo’s hearts.

Each rescue brought joy but also a realisation—their ability to help was hindered by their tiny quarters. So, they decided to put pride aside and ask for help from their broader community.

“The leap to a larger space seemed like an impossible feat until [we] realised the power of community support,” shares Laurencia.

Throughout the community, their plea for better living conditions for those in their care echoed, “carried on the wings of hope and goodwill,” as the ladies put it. 

While they have been inspired by the support, the opportunity to help still stands. Fencing items, wire, posts or tools, are just some ways they can improve their space for the best.

“We humbly ask, please reach out today,” they continue. “Your help will pave the way.” 

Anyone who can assist and wants to be part of what could be a fairytale ending is encouraged to contact them at Cinderellaanimalrescuers@outlook.com. You can also keep up with them here.

Sources: Website Submission

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post In Durban Two ‘Fairy Godmothers’ Made Their Home a Haven for Animals appeared first on Good Things Guy.

A big Christmas tree lighting ceremony brought light and laughter to the Riebeek-Kasteel community, where children, regardless of their backgrounds all got special treats:

Riebeek-Kasteel, South Africa (05 December 2023) — Saturday brought light and laughter to the Riebeek Valley community in Riebeek-Kasteel as the Christmas tree twinkles in the small town were officially turned on.

But, this occasion was nothing if not a celebration of togetherness, where children from poor communities and privileged communities gathered and were afforded the same treats at the specially curated ‘Santa Village. It was also said to be one of the rare events in the town where everyone, no matter their background, comes together.

Roughly 450 children were gifted with sandwiches, crisps, ice lollies and after the Christmas tree lights were officially twinkling, Santa gifted them all stockings filled with more treats—fruit, sweeties, and candy canes as well as a small unisex gift.

“The expressions on the faces was so wonderfully moving,” shared Helen Weber who filled Good Things Guy in on the event.

Organised by couple Sean Cleary and Kobie le Grange with help from the Riebeek Valley Community Projects, this was the third year that the Lighting Ceremony has brought joy to Riebeek-Kasteel and those from neighbouring communities. Businesses and individuals all came together to make the night of magic possible.

“There are alway the ‘unsung heroes’, wherever you go in life. People who quietly get on with in, for no reward or fame. For four whole days Kobie le Grange has been working tirelessly in the blazing sun, stuck on a flimsy structure, putting Christmas lights in place for the ceremony next weekend,” shared Riebeek Valley’s community Facebook group of the big efforts.

Meanwhile, in other festive feel-good news, Craighall Park has its very own Secret Santas who not only deck out their home to the nines in lights but also have a Santa Letter Box initiative where letters submitted get a response—bringing delight to hundreds of children who pop by.

Sources: Website Submission

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