Kindling Foundation

12/01/2026

Spotlight Story: Palesa’s Journey

In 2010, when baby Palesa was just one week old she was abandoned by her mother and unable to be cared for by her father who struggled with alcoholism she had nowhere to go. That’s when Maria stepped in with no resources of her own, Maria took Palesa into her home and did whatever she could to keep her alive. She didn’t even have money for formula and fed her water from a bottle in those early days. But she gave her something far more powerful: safety, love, and a chance at life.
As the years passed, another challenge emerged. Because Palesa was not born in South Africa and had no birth certificate, she was not allowed to attend school.

Then in 2019, everything changed. Our co-founder, Grant worked tirelessly to find a way to get Palesa and two other children in Maria’s care into school. Using funds generously donated by our community, we hired a lawyer who helped navigate the complex process. And it worked. Palesa started Grade 1 that year, only one year behind. A miracle made possible by Grant determination,Maria’s love and our communities support.
And now…can you believe it? Palesa started high school!

A massive milestone we are celebrating with so much joy and gratitude.

💛 A Beautiful Circle of Support
Around the time Maria took in Palesa, Virgin cabin crew began visiting her home, bringing formula, clothing, and money to help Maria care for Palesa and many other kids. Back then we were known as Africa Smiles and the kindness of and and the whole Virgin crew helped lay the foundation for what our organisation Kindling is today. Their big hearts changed the trajectory of so many young lives.
Thank you!

12/01/2026

Spotlight Story: Palesa’s Journey.

In 2010, when baby Palesa was just one week old she was abandoned by her mother and unable to be cared for by her father who struggled with alcoholism she had nowhere to go. That’s when Maria stepped in with no resources of her own, Maria took Palesa into her home and did whatever she could to keep her alive. She didn’t even have money for formula and fed her water from a bottle in those early days. But she gave her something far more powerful: safety, love, and a chance at life.

As the years passed, another challenge emerged. Because Palesa was not born in South Africa and had no birth certificate, she was not allowed to attend school.

Then in 2019, everything changed. Our co-founder, Grant worked tirelessly to find a way to get Palesa and two other children in Maria’s care into school. Using funds generously donated by our community, we hired a lawyer who helped navigate the complex process. And it worked. Palesa started Grade 1 that year, only one year behind. A miracle made possible by Grant's determination, Maria’s love and our communities support.
And now…can you believe it? Palesa started high school!
A massive milestone we are celebrating with so much joy and gratitude.

💛 A Beautiful Circle of Support
Around the time Maria took in Palesa, Virgin cabin crew began visiting her home, bringing formula, clothing, and money to help Maria care for Palesa and many other kids. Back then we were known as Africa Smiles, and the kindness of JT, Heidi and the whole Virgin crew helped lay the foundation for what our organisation Kindling is today. Their big hearts changed the trajectory of so many young lives. Thank you!

17/12/2025

🎶✨ Big hearts, little musicians! ✨🎶

Recently, 67 talented students from St Agnes Primary School took to the Mt Gravatt Markets with instruments in hand and purpose in their hearts. Their joyful busking raised an incredible $800 for the Kindling Foundation, helping cover school fees for children in South Africa 🇿🇦.

The morning was filled with community spirit and amazing tunes. Huge applause to these young changemakers for proving that music really can make the world a better place 💛🎻🎺

15/02/2025

14/02/2025

12 years ago, we met Precious at Maria’s home orphanage when she was only 7 years old. Today, thanks to the incredible support of our Kindling community she’s officially a graduate – with a degree in education with dreams of becoming a teacher.

Watching her grow into the strong, determined woman she is today has been nothing short of inspiring to witness. Maria, the family, and all of us here at Kindling are beyond proud of everything she’s accomplished. Huge thanks to everyone who has donated and supported her journey – you helped make this possible.

01/12/2024

A big thank you to these beautiful students who raised $750 for Kindling!!!

Massive round of applause to the talented students from St Agnes Primary School for their incredible fundraising efforts for kindling.org.au!

Our customers were treated to beautiful music and heartfelt songs as these young stars played their instruments and sang their hearts out—all for a good cause.

Thank you for bringing joy to the market and for your dedication to making a difference. Bravo to everyone involved!