28/04/2026
Easter Newsletter
Our main subject on our second committee meeting of the year, on 24 March, was how smoothly the project is running.
Nobody is feeling overwhelmed and we are able to give the children all the attention and care they want.
Anyone involved in an NPO or NGO knows that panic about funding, people’s egos, uncertainty etc. causes stress and often the beneficiaries suffer the loss of valuable resources.
We are so proud of this project and each other, and grateful to every contributor. That includes you, dear reader!
A very specific thank you to
-our sponsors of nutrition: First Choice, Infood, Nina’s, Food Lover’s Market, our egg suppliers and our volunteer catering team
-our regular monetary donors: Stewardship International, Mojo properties, The Stretch Foundation..
-our tech and social media wizard Alan, whose employer would like anonymity
-our auditors Moore
-Kouga Municipality
-our recycling partner Xtreme
-our student volunteers from Victory Gap Year, CSALT and Jeffreys Bay Primary School as well as Island Vibe and Ticket to Ride visitors
-donors of stock: 2cChange, Abide Church, Friends of the Library..
-The Office 4U for stationery at cost, design and printing – often free
-as always, if memory has failed us, please know that your contribution is valuable.
-A wonderful new addition to our team has been Lerato and Thobani of Kouga Municipality’s “Boots on the Ground”initiative. They have been on queue duty since the start of February. and have an incredibly positive influence on the atmosphere amongst the children – no more pushing in, no more bullying or theft by the few, but problematic, offenders.. just a calm, safe and orderly procession. They are kind to the children and respectful of the parents. This partnership has amazed us.
In March, the 4th Cru de Marina event was held. Once again, hard work by the organizers resulted in a sold-out and hugely enjoyable event, raising funds for JBRP as well as two very deserving fellow charities. Thank you, Alwyn and co!
We were visited by Joanne and Russell from the neighbouring town of Plettenberg Bay. Their daughter had volunteered a few weeks before and was so impressed that she got them all fired up to start a similar initiative in Plett. Fingers crossed!
Our friend and volunteer Arieke, from Switzerland, arrived with a generous donation from her friends and family, which bought loads of new shoes and tracksuits. Being a professional nurse, she also kindly refilled our first aid kit so that small cuts and scratches could be attended to.
Sadly, the family home of some of our very regular participants was badly damaged in a fire, but our volunteers quickly responded with much-needed building supplies, bedding and clothing.
We are proud to mutually support fellow NPO’s. This term, our fresh spinach was purchased from The Joshua Project, requested and received immediate assistance from JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary and carpooled to a National Lotteries Commission info day in Kareedouw with friends from 7th Heaven Children’s Haven.
We were invited to be interviewed on local radio station Oasis FM by the creators of the MyJBay app – check it out for news of events and opportunities to serve our community!
Finally, the numbers. So far, in 2026:
Around 25 volunteers showed up, devoting an average of 3 hours on each of our 10 trading Mondays. That’s 750 hours where everything else – work, family, personal challenges, were set aside and every minute spent on empowering and caring for our children.
Children chose to collect and store recycling, attend school in the morning, drag, wheel or carry their bags - a total of 30 Tons - wait patiently in line for their opportunity to earn and spend their Mula on 1,893 visits.
Bring on term 2! We are excited to be the change we want to see in the world!
