In a heartwarming tale of kindness and community, Hester Hoffmann went above and beyond to make sure that a man, new to the streets, wouldn’t have to call them home for long:

Melville, South Africa (04 March 2024) — One Saturday morning, Hester Hoffmann noticed a man wandering around a parking area in Melville. At first, she didn’t think much of his wondering and assumed he was waiting for someone. But after spotting him looking somewhat displaced a few more times, she decided to approach him. At the time, she had no idea how important that decision to go up to him would be.

Hester discovered that his name was Chris Swartz, an electrician who had found himself calling the streets home for the past few days after he had “lost everything”, as she shared.

Chris had already been through a lot in those days; including being attacked. The kind security guard had helped him then, and now it was Hester’s turn.

Reaching out to the I Love Melville community group, Hester began sharing Chris’s plight and hopes for his larger community to help him get back on his feet again.

Hester’s biggest concern was getting Chris to shelter given his condition as a diabetic and a heart condition.

Determined, she met with Chris often, organised a meeting to get him into a shelter, and rallied the community to help however they could!

The only thing standing in the way of Chris’s stay at Ons Oord was the R1,500 minimum amount. To which Hester dealt with the matter like a champion:

“At that stage [of Chris’s meeting at the shelter] I went back in and gate crashed the meeting and said to the Dominee, “Listen, I can’t commit to a R1500 pm or sign a debit order, but I can tell you that I WILL find 20 people in Melville who will be prepared to give R75 each month. Please can you help him?”

Brilliantly, the Melville community (who have been on a roll of good news recently) came together to help pay for Chris’s stay at Ons Oord!

Thanks to their pledges, Chris was accepted into Ons Oord which led to many happy tears in Melville, especially from Hester.

With Chris safe and sound at a place where he can live and work with others so long as his minimum stay fee is looked after, he now faces a new trajectory of hope.

Their story reminds us of just how powerful paying attention to someone can be, and it’s that light that can guide them home.

Sources: Submission; Hester Hoffmann

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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.

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David Case and the Pirates Running Club are at it again, this time through the Western Cape! David’s initiative, ‘1000 Kays of Caring’ is exactly what it sounds like: 1000 kilometres of care that hopes to help Grabouw’s most disadvantaged people:

Western Cape, South Africa (01 March 2024) — This week, we’ve been so proud of South African runners across the country who, with different initiatives and distances in mind, have all signed up to put their legs to work for community impact. In some parts of the country, a duo are gearing up to make a community food garden possible by virtue of their leg power. In other parts, 10 kilometres a day is slowly but surely hoping to make a difference in underprivileged students’ education. But, there is yet another ‘making those kilometres count’ initiative in our midst—’1000 Kays of Caring’—and this time the focus is on Grabouw’s most disadvantaged people.

A fundraising adventure led by David Case, ‘1000 Kays of Caring’ is a 21-day trek through the Western Cape. Each day, 48 kilometres is the goal, with David and the Pirates Road Running Club sweating their hearts out to make the ‘Kays of Caring’ a success.

This is not David’s first rodeo for the long haul or kindness. In 2019, David and the Pirates tackled ‘500 Kays for Kids’—500 kilometres for Childline! It was an incredible effort that saw other runners join the charge, and one that David decided it was not only something worth replicating, but doubling.

Focusing on Siphila Sonke, a Grabouw charity that focuses on the chronically ill and unemployed living in the most heart-wrenching circumstances, ‘1000 Kays of Care’ is dedicated to their upliftment.

All runners have organised their own transportation and costs, with any funds raised heading solely to Siphila Sonke. This charity relies completely on donations, and the runners’ hopes are high that their adventure will make a difference and raise awareness.

If you can’t lend your legs to the cause, follow and support the initiative on Instagram! While their donation platform isn’t live yet, you can still message the initiative platform directly to find out about adding your care to the kilometres.

Sources:  Supplied; 1000 Kays of Care

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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.

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After two hikers could not get down Platteklip Gorge, they spent the night up on the mountain with rescuers keeping a close eye on them. The next day, a big rescue effort unfolded, largely helped by students who stepped up to make it happen!

Table Mountain, South Africa (29 February 2024) — The Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) had a busy time earlier this week after two hikers found themselves unable to finish their Platteklip Gorge hike.

The pair called for help after 8 pm on Sunday evening; a WSAR team of 6 people headed up the mountain ready to get the injured hiker—a 53-year-old visitor from KwaZulu-Natal— back down to safety. However, with a persistent injury and vicious South-Easterly winds roaring, the team ended up not carrying the hiker down; opting instead to spend the evening with her and her nephew.

The following day after a long evening, a team of over 20 rescuers got to work in completing the rescue. They began the descent down Platteklip Gorge and, by the afternoon, reported good progress. But when it came to the final push, extra help came just in time.

Students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) stepped up to help the rescue along by carrying the nephew of the injured hiker, who was also in need of a little help from the friends he didn’t know he had. Despite having made good headway for almost 8 hours, he eventually could not continue and needed a rescue stretcher.

Largely thanks to the WSAR team, the injured aunt made it to the base ground safe and sound. And thanks to the Cape Peninsula University students, her nephew did, too!

Others who played an important role include the EMS medics, SANParks Table Mountain National Park and Law Enforcement officers!

Sources: Wilderness Search and Rescue

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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.

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After facing brutal flooding and life’s hardships, hundreds from the Fairbreeze community were invited to a Mahala Market which is exactly what it sounds like—a free market where they could get many essential items!

Fairbreeze, South Africa (26 February 2024) — Ever gone to the grocery store and wondered what it would be like if all those essential items were just free? For many of us, that would be a treat. But for others, it would be a lifeline. And a lifeline is exactly what was cast last week in KwaZulu-Natal, where a little ‘Mahala Market’  popped up in the right place at the right time for a community in Tongaat.

To paint the picture of context, the Fairbreeze community have experienced a lot. From brutal and life-taking floods many of us saw on the news to water shortages, unemployment and other hardship-baring daily struggles struggles we don’t always see; times have been incredibly tough.

In an effort to boost the community’s morale and give them hope in a very practical way, the Robin Hood Foundation sat down and came up with a plan of action. For months, they have had their sights set on making a difference in the Fairbreeze community, and finally, it was time to shine.

RHF’s Mahala Markets are about restoring dignity through choice. Where essential goodies and items such as handouts do have their place in making a big difference for so many facing life’s toughest cards, the opportunity to go to a market, shop freely, and choose your own essentials similarly makes a huge difference with the added bonus of choice-led empowerment.

300 people benefited from the Mahala Market, which ran for several hours. Meals, clothing pieces, shoes grocery items and even toys were all available thanks to donations from individuals, families and businesses. Set up like a traditional market, the initiative makes the concept of ‘taking what you need’ that much more comfortable for those who are hesitant.

The relief on many community member’s faces is absolutely heartwarming, and we can’t help but wonder what life would be like if there were more Mahala Markets to go around.

Sources: The Robin Hood Foundation 

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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 Mahala Market Helped 300 People Bag So Many Essentials  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Nontuthuko Mgabhi has already raised over R3 million in her lifetime for children and schools who most need it. Now, she’s setting to task again for a massive challenge of 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes!

Richards Bay, South Africa (23 February 2024) — Nontuthuko ‘Nontu’ Mgabhi is a champion of two incredible endeavours—ultramarathons and making sure rural children have the essentials!

Putting her own feet to task for others ample times (She is the first female from Africa to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days) Nontu has successfully raised over R3 million to provide so many learners facing poverty with the essentials they need to feel dignified and encouraged at school.

Her passion has paved the path for building classrooms, renovating schools, and providing books and food, as well as the always essential and trajectory-shifting—school shoes.

Last year, Nontu hit the ground running at the Ultra ASIA 160km Race in Vietnam where she came second in the women’s division and fourth overall. But, regardless of all her achievements, her biggest win by far is being able to make a difference in the life of a school child who needs it most.

Nontu is back at it again in 2024 and will be focusing on a whopping 520km ultramarathon, The Track Namibia, scheduled for 15-24 May. 520kms for 520 pairs of school shoes, her endeavour will take her on a 10-day journey through the Valley of the Moon, the tropic of Capricorn and the Sesriem and Sossusvlei Dunes.

For the experienced long-distance runner, this will be a new kind of challenge given the extreme distance. But, it’s one well worth it, given the underprivileged children in KwaZulu-Natal who will get to walk in school shoes that say, ‘Someone went all the extra miles for me’.

“I believe in giving back, I am grateful that I am able to give back through my passion: a love of running, travel and nature. It is  wonderful to live a life that is authentic with impact. To prepare for these races, although challenging, is not a chore for me—it is a privilege to get to do this. I have the health and means to do it.”—Nontuthuko Mgabhi. 

Those looking to support Nontu on yet another impactful adventure can get in touch with her on nontu.mgabhi@icloud.com!

Sources: Team South Africa; GTG 

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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.

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When a midlife crisis turns into a learner’s lifeline! Dalan Holton’s brave swim to fund a special scholarship at KES has surpassed its goal!

Cape Town, South Africa (16 February 2024) — Dalan Holton’s 50th birthday gift was inspired in many ways. Partly by a midlife crisis, but mostly by what education unlocks and the desire to honour an amazing young man whose legacy lives on in a special scholarship.

Combining all of these notes of inspiration, Dalan decided to push himself to do something most wouldn’t have at the top of their birthday lists—a frosty swim from Robben Island to the mainland (Blouberg) to raise funds for a scholarship at King Edward VII School (KES).

A KES Alumni himself, Dalan hoped that his upcoming 50th would splash hope into the lives of a learner who needed it; with the funds set to fuel the Daniel Lopes Memorial Scholarship.

A special scholarship inspired by an even more special person, the scholarship honours Daniel Lopes, who lost his life at just 12 years old. Daniel is described to have been an excellent student and young man. Now, his legacy is a beam of hope for others. A matter close to home, Dalan had been good friends with Daniel’s father since their days at KES; adding another element of the feels to his brave endeavour.

Just two and a bit days ago, Dalan’s campaign had not yet reached its target, despite the big dive drawing closer by the hour. However, in a massive stroke of goodwill, community members were as inspired by Dalan’s effort as Dalan was inspired by what the scholarship could mean for someone.  As such, not only has the fundraising goal of R50 000 been reached—which will cover half the tuition for a financially distressed learner at KES for the duration of their high school career—but the goal has also been surpassed at R64,977.29!

For Dalan, this has certainly made his birthday wish to turn a “seemingly crazy 50-year-old’s midlife crisis into a lifeline for young minds” true, and his community couldn’t be prouder.

Sources: BackaBuddy 

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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.

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5 dogs who were part of a group rescued from the Cambodian dog meat trade have made it safely to Cape Town thanks to animal heroes FOUR PAWS and TEARS. Now, the next part of the mission hopes to safely home them!

Cape Town, South Africa (16 February 2024)—Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS in collaboration With TEARS Animal Rescue have done something awesome in the space of international rescues. Thanks to their team-up, a heartwarming mission is giving 5 dogs a chance at life and love in Cape Town after they were rescued from the Cambodian dog meat trade.

Gamora, Shadow, Falcon, Drax, and Maximoff are part of the 61 dogs that safely arrived at Cape Town International Airport on Valentine’s Day. The hope now is that they will each find their loving forever homes with the help of the TEARS Adoption Team!

These dogs were part of a group of 61 who, in 2021 had their lives saved from some of the most tragic circumstances. Per FOUR PAWS, a minivan had been carrying the live animals to a slaughterhouse in Cambodia; almost a year after authorities had banned the trade of dog meat. Local authorities luckily intercepted the vehicle, and soon called on FOUR PAWS to assist with the rescued animals.

“This was an exceptional case due to the situation on site. Adoptions of stray animals do not have a long tradition in Southeast Asia and are only slowly establishing themselves,” says the organisation.

“In the case of the 61 dogs seized in Cambodia, only 31 have found a new home locally. To ensure that the animals quickly find a loving home after their traumatic experiences, FOUR PAWS through its offices globally decided to place these animals in those countries as an exception. Some of them went to Switzerland and the United States.”

In more good news, all the other dogs have found their new homes. Now, it’s the last five’s turn.

“These five dogs are ambassadors for dogs who remain in those circumstances, and for other dogs in South Africa and globally that are subjected to cruelty. FOUR PAWS remain commited to implement humane and sustainable dog and cat population management programs in South Africa where we support communities and partners to participate in our stray animal management solutions,” adds Fiona Miles, FOUR PAWS Director in South Africa.

The five dogs are the only ones still searching for homes, and hopes are high that Cape Town will give them exactly that. They have all received a clean bill of health but will be kept in quarantine between 7-14 days as part of the standard travel regulations for dogs travelling between countries. The TEARS kennel can be contacted on 021 785 4482!

As for Four PAWS, the organisation has been pivotal in making the ban happen after working closely together with the Cambodian government since 2018, and continues the fight to end the dog and cat meat trades for good in many ways, like:

• Supporting political lobbying and engagement in our target countries [Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam] and internationally
• Improving public perceptions at both national [target countries] and international levels
• Working with international and national health and veterinary authorities to highlight the public health risk posed by the dog meat trade
• Supporting local organisations through their Southeast Asia Partnership Program who are working tirelessly to end trafficking in their communities
• Working with the tourism industry in and outside destination countries to identify and highlight the risks that the dog and cat meat trade poses to travellers and local communities
• Implementing humane and sustainable dog and cat population management programmes in Southeast Asia and supporting veterinary training wherever possible to ensure the success of such programmes

You can show your support to end the dog and cat meat trade here.

Sources: Supplied; FOUR Paws 

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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.

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A seagull stuck in an unfortunate situation at the top of a 20m lamppost was rescued thanks to an everyday hero who obviously isn’t afraid of heights and bravely went above and beyond in every literal sense. Take a look!

Gordon’s Bay, South Africa (12 February 2024) — A seagull found itself in a sticky situation in Gordon’s Bay recently after it ended up stuck at the top of a 20-metre lamppost.

According to diving centre Just Africa Scuba who found the bird in the distressing circumstance, the seagull had reportedly gotten tangled up in a fishing line that was hanging from the pole.

This caused the seagull to naturally attempt to free itself but to no avail. After several calls to rescue services were made and amounted to no action, one brave man took matters under his own wings.

JJ Engelbrecht, described as a “passionate conservationist” by his mom—who proudly shared the story alongside Just Africa Scuba—was not going to let the seagull flap around hopelessly. As such, he undertook the kind of task that would give anyone with a fear of heights sleepless nights and began climbing the 20-metre lamppost!

While this kind of bravery is not advisable for those who do not have the correct equipment or training, JJ’s climb was something out of a movie. Bare-footed and unphased, he made his way right to the top as though climbing a jungle gym at school. In no time, he reached the seagull, freed the bird enabling it to fly away on its merry way and potentially earned himself a new career as a daredevil.

Watch: JJ in Action!

The community has rightly approved JJ as a hero without a cape (though he might need one if he decides to continue extreme climbing adventures), and we couldn’t agree more.

Sources: Rinet Engelbrecht; Just Africa Scuba

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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.

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When an eyesore of trash havoc started ruining a community’s morning in Sea Point, one homeless hero took action:

Sea Point, South Africa (12 February 2024) — On Sunday morning, a part of Sea Point woke up to trash havoc.

At a common curb near the Point Mall where foot traffic is frequent, it looked as though a small garbage truck had broken down. Packets. Papers. Bottles. You name it. The usually very pretty street faced an unfortunate eyesore, much to the dismay evident in commentary from those driving, cycling and trotting by.

Almost everyone in that part of Sea Point had something to say about it, according to community members. Heads shook with disappointment. Some colourful language was said to have been present too. People crossed the street to avoid it. And mutterings about the problematic street children who had reportedly been the cause of several calls from private security in the area could be heard.

But nobody had yet taken on fixing up the mess.

As a community member who saw the trash havoc unfold explained to Good Things Guy’s Ashleigh, the trashed curb had reportedly been the work of someone who ripped open black bags and proceeded to kick what was inside all over the show. Why this happened isn’t the point.

While complaints continued, one person quietly made their way up to the chaos. One homeless person shook his head before stopping and taking action.

Without a moment’s hesitation or fuss, he slowly but surely cleaned all of it himself. Piece by piece (and there was a lot) he bent his tired body over and made sure that the curb looked much, much better than when he found it.

What was initially a sight of distress became a sight of hope. Moments like that tend to stay front of mind because they warm hearts—partly in a joyful way, and partly in that reflective way you experience upon realising quiet hope happens around us all the time.

Was it a small act? Yes. But he made someone’s Sunday. And that small act of good changed the trajectory of everyone’s experience in that part of the suburb from negative to positive, which turns it into a pretty big act when you think about it.

Sources: GTG

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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.

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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.