My father died when I was very little, so the only income was my mom’s money she earned for being a maid. She raised me, my two brothers and sister on her own and I’m very proud of her.

But then something awful happened. My mom got very sick and could barely do anything for herself. At that time, we didn’t have anybody to ask for help with food or support.  So, the only people we could talk to were the social workers at the Norsa community center. We spoke about our circumstances and they started to come to our house every week for observation and support.

We started to attend the Norsa Library and the after-school project where they helped us with our homework and assignments. We started doing really well at school. While my mom was in the hospital, we had something to eat every day after school at the care center. Since then, we received emotional support, family support, love support and a lot of caring.

Read more: NorSA community centre provides more than just a helping hand

Seasoned hotelier Angelo Casu makes every kilometre count on his mountain bike racing for StreetSmart to raise funds and extend a hand to South Africa’s most vulnerable children.

Co-owner of the exclusive 5-star Grande Dédale Country House in Wellington, Angelo, who has been cycling with a purpose for StreetSmart since 2017, covered nearly 8 000 km over seven mountain bike races this year, single-handedly raising almost R50 000.

With his go-getting spirit and sheer grit, Angelo saved the worst for last, completing the gruelling Munga MTB single stage endurance race from Bloemfontein to Wellington in early December. The mountain bike race covered 1 050 km in 120 hours.

Elated about finishing the toughest mountain bike race in Africa, Angelo is even more grateful to the people who supported him over all seven races and 8 000 km this year raising much needed funds for StreetSmart.

“Thank you to every donor who responded to my efforts. Please continue to donate, as the children continue to need your support. Instead of giving Christmas presents this year, rather support us by donating to StreetSmart,” is Angelo’s heartfelt appeal.

Read more: Wellington hotelier cycles 8 000 km in aid of StreetSmart

The StreetSmart funding has allowed Pebbles to pay a portion of the salary of one After School Club (ASC) training facilitator. This training facilitator does so much more than just the training of the ASC external staff who work in the facilities. She liaises with the farm owners to make sure that the lines of communication are open. This was extremely important during the COVID-19 lockdown and understanding the needs of the community during this time. Marian provided daily support to the external farm staff, community leaders, parents and children in the form of physical academic resources, setting up virtual classrooms, extra lessons and identifying families who needed food parcels.

Read more: StreetSmart supports the Pebbles After School Club training

Support StreetSmart’s goal of raising R20 000 by donating to continue changing the lives of vulnerable children in South Africa. Every cent of your donation supports more than 30 beneficiary programmes nationally and goes towards education, skills training and family reunification. So why not swop your takeaway coffee for an investment in the lives of most vulnerable children this #GivingTuesday by Donating Here: https://streetsmartsa.org.za/donate-to-streetsmart  

Read more: Support StreetSmart this #GivingTuesday

Covid-19 brought life – and most businesses – to an unprecedented standstill.

Shops shuttered, airlines stalled, and the immediate halt of travel and tourism brought the broader hospitality industry to its knees.

Like veritable beachfront cottages in a tsunami, restaurants have been among the first, most cherished, and hardest hit businesses in the pandemic, and notably we have experienced the loss of many jobs; the ripple effect has affected other businesses connected to the hospitality industry and also organisations who relied heavily on the patronage of restaurant-goers.

One of them is StreetSmart South Africa with whom I have been associated for the last 15 years and for which I have raised funds by riding the Absa Cape Epic in 2017 and 2018 as well as Wines2Whales in 2019.

StreetSmart South Africa raises funds for street children’s education, skills training, and family reunification programmes, in partnership with restaurants, accommodation establishments, and wine tasting centres. Eating and donating at a StreetSmart restaurant is a smart and responsible way to help a street child. #EatOutHelpOut in a StreetSmart restaurant can make a difference.

Read more: Cycling 8000km for StreetSmart SA

When he was only six years old, John was abandoned by his father who left him with a friend and never returned. Neither biological parents have been contactable since. When asked about his parents, John says that he doesn’t have any. He is an independent young boy who has bonded well with his foster mother and foster siblings. He is the oldest child in his foster home and takes this responsibility very seriously. He is very protective of the younger children and generous in making sure if he gets a treat, they do too.

John is doing exceptionally well at school and excels on the sports field whether it be running, soccer or tennis. Soccer is his favourite sport but he can play anything. Due to John not having a birth certificate, he has been unable to participate in sport at school.

Read more: Your financial support gives John a stable home, helps his schooling and sports activities