The Social Upliftment Project, led by Founder Jayce Moodley and supported by Clifford Smith, the project’s executive director, donated blankets, nappies, and teddy bears to the Stepping Stone baby units.

“We are deeply grateful to the Social Upliftment Project for their generous donation. The donations will bring comfort, dignity and much-needed relief to the babies and families we care for at our Stepping Stone baby units,” said Tersia Burger, founder and CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice.

The donation forms part of the organisation’s broader outreach efforts, which include assistance for abused women and children, senior citizens, cancer patients, struggling families and newborn babies.

Moodley explained that the organisation runs several community programmes, including a seniors’ programme, food hamper distributions, a Baby Bank Project, a cancer care programme and an annual blanket drive. This year, the organisation hopes to distribute 450 blankets to senior citizens, abused women and families in need across the community.

Beyond helping families directly, the Social Upliftment Project also supports the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units at Alberton North, Brackendowns, Germiston and Mondeor police stations.

Every year, the organisation donates warm blankets and teddy bears to comfort children who have experienced abuse.

Moodley said many children spend long hours, and sometimes the entire night, at police stations while their cases are being processed.

“There is very little comfort for these children after experiencing trauma. The blankets and teddy bears help them feel safe during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. We have never said no to anyone in need, and we never will. As long as we are able, we will continue helping those who need it most,” he said.

Recent visits to the police stations also revealed additional needs, including couches for children waiting to be interviewed and private waiting areas for families.

The organisation’s Baby Bank Project provides essential items for babies from birth to one year old, ensuring that struggling families receive support during the critical first months of a child’s life.

Its cancer care programme offers home visits by private medical practitioners, assistance with medication, wheelchairs, mobility equipment and groceries to help ease the burden on patients and their families.

Moodley shared the story of an elderly woman whose hearing loss had caused daily arguments at home because she could not hear the television. After the organisation sourced and paid for a hearing aid worth nearly R40 000, she sent him a voice message saying she and her husband “didn’t fight tonight.”

The organisation also assists women and children fleeing abusive homes by providing emergency accommodation, clothing, food and help in rebuilding their lives.

Despite operating with limited funding, Moodley said the Social Upliftment Project has never turned anyone away or charged those it assists.

Having retired on medical grounds in 2009 following serious health challenges, Moodley said his own journey inspired him to dedicate his life to serving others.