I would like to share our story from last week. Last Sunday morning I did something. I always start out with good intentions and halfway though I regret ever starting. I made pancakes with cinnamon and sugar! Why, because to feed my large family we need over 100 pancakes! I woke up early last week Sunday and began the long task of flipping pancakes. 3 hours behind the stove and 30 mins dusting with cinnamon and sugar and rolling. Exhausted, I sat on the couch with a cup of coffee, thinking to myself, that was my good deed for the day, laughing in my head because I always start with excitement, excited to bless the kids with a lovely breakfast and always end with “why do I torture myself!”. 

While watching my kids excited faces as they lick every last grain of sugar off their hands, I decided to check my morning WhatsApp's. As I opened our community WhatsApp group, the news broke about Jika Joe, an informal settlement burnt to the ground. I realized how blessed all our children are, despite whatever circumstances brought them here, they are blessed and very much loved. We went to the hall and found people scattered, many with only the clothing on their backs. A lady said they will take any donations, but most importantly they need a warm meal. We appealed for donations and were able to gather 3 full loads of clothing, pillows, blankets, towels and 1 fully packed load of food and toiletries. We were also able to prepare a warm meal of pap and stew for around 160 souls. Our children and teenagers all helped us prepare the meal, themselves realizing how blessed they are. I am so proud of all the children at Thandi House, giving back and paying it forward. I would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to all those that contributed over the past week. We are truly grateful for your donations to the fire victims. We ask that you continue to uphold all these people in your prayers, as well prayers with those working on the situation.

We would like to now focus our efforts on trying to gather household items as they rebuild their homes such as 97 x buckets, brooms, pots, pans, plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, mugs, 750ml or smaller dish washing liquid, handy handy etc. Any condition welcome. Please mark any donations towards the purchase of items as “Jike Joe” so we can allocate it correctly. Household items can be dropped off at Thandi House.