Four years ago, during the hard days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a small act of kindness at a local flea market sparked something much bigger.

With no car, few resources and facing personal struggles, a couple set up a small stall at the Panorama Flea Market in Johannesburg South. There, they began serving soup to anyone hungry.

That simple idea has since grown into the Sharing Kindness Foundation, now one of the most active community-driven charities in Johannesburg South.

The foundation was established by Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and his wife, Charmaine, who sought to assist others despite their own personal challenges at the time.

“We did not have much, but we knew we could share what we had,” said Nicolaas. “Serving soup was a small thing, but it came from the heart. We never imagined how far it would grow.”

Today, Sharing Kindness Foundation is a fully registered charity that feeds thousands of people every month. It also supports and supplies food to several organisations, including Nkosi’s Haven, the Johannesburg Society for the Blind, Eletha Thembu Public School, Hamlet School for Children With Disabilities, Deopr Caring Facility, and around fifty vulnerable families in their local neighbourhood.

The charity also runs and supplies soup kitchens in Krugersdorp, South Hills, Turffontein, and Park Station, as well as from its own charity shop at the Panorama Flea Market.

Charmaine said the focus has always been on helping others to help more people. “Our heart is simple,” she said. “We uplift and empower other non-profit organisations so they can reach even more people who need support.”

The foundation continues to grow rapidly and remains deeply rooted in the community it serves. “It is an honour to serve Johannesburg South, where we live,” Nicolaas added.

As Christmas approaches, many of the organisations supported by the Sharing Kindness Foundation are asking for help to make the festive season special for their children, residents, and staff. Their current needs include laptops, reams of paper, dry goods, deep freezers, toys, used clothing, household items for the charity shop, and gas bottles or refills.

All donations can be dropped off every weekend from 9:00 to 16:00 at the Panorama Flea Market in Mulbarton, Johannesburg South.

The foundation has also thanked the local community for its ongoing support, with special gratitude to Resthaven Ministries for its continued care and encouragement.

Those who wish to support the work are invited to visit the charity shop and coffee shop at the Panorama Flea Market. Every purchase and every donation helps the foundation feed more families and support more organisations.

As Charmaine said: “Kindness grows when people come together. Every small act truly makes a difference.”

For more information, contact 068 039 7017 or email sharingkindnessfoundation@gmail.com, or you can follow their Facebook page, Sharing Kindness Foundation, where they share updates on the work they do in the community.