Carrying My Mother's Legacy: A Call to Kindness
My name is Anthea, and I am the eldest daughter of the late Ma Ethel. My journey to continue Mommy’s selfless work began with a deep and unexpected heartbreak. At the age of 68, Mommy passed peacefully in her sleep, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and kindness that I had only just begun to fully understand. In the weeks after her passing, as I
tried to come to terms with the loss, I found myself answering daily knocks at her door. Children came asking for bread, explaining that “Ma Ethel always gave us something to eat.” Young mothers came, hoping there might still be Stork Parcels available. I was overwhelmed — not just by grief, but by the realization of how far Mommy’s love had reached into the hearts and homes of others. People still walk from neighboring communities to my mother’s home, seeking a meal for their families. The desperation in their eyes weighed heavily on me — especially when I had nothing to give. I began keeping what I could on hand, but it was never enough. The need is great, and it grows every day as more families struggle with the rising cost of living in South Africa. As I spent more time in the community, I noticed children wandering aimlessly, with no one to guide them and no safe place to play or grow. That’s when the idea for a reading programme and life skills classes took root. The response was immediate and overwhelming. I couldn’t keep up — so I reached out to my daughter, Lesli Jane, a qualified Foundation Phase Teacher, who now leads the sessions with love and expertise. My younger daughter, who is currently in Matric, joins us during school holidays. Today, we run:
Daily feeding schemes
Saturday reading sessions for children
Monthly “Assisting My Young Reader” classes for parents
Hygiene workshops, where little ones receive “Care Packs” with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and an apple. We'd love to include soap and a facecloth — items that can help a child feel clean, confident, and cared for. We also host:
“High Teas” for our little girls, with fruit, juice, cupcakes, and pamper items like nail polish and hand cream, which they use during the sessions. Movie & Lego Days for our boys, where they enjoy age-appropriate films and creative building play. These experiences may seem simple, but to the children, they are pure magic. They light up when they receive something they can call their own — a small gift, a sweet treat, a toy. These moments stay with them, and for many, they are rare. If you feel moved by this mission — by the legacy of love that Ma Ethel began — we invite you to be a part of it. Whether it’s donating goods, contributing to a Care Pack, sponsoring a reading session, or simply spreading the word, your support will help us bring comfort, learning, and joy to children who need it most. To learn more or to find out how you can help, please contact us at +27 68 134 5156 or email [email protected]. We’d be happy to share our list of upcoming events and the items needed to bring them to life. Together, we can continue what Mommy started — and warm the hearts of our future leaders, one small act of kindness at a time. With gratitude,
Anthea
