Clayton Viljoen, CEO of The Urban Ruins Project Centre, writes:

On April 18, we had the privilege of hosting our first Corporate Brunch – a meaningful and important step in opening our doors to the corporate world, business leaders, and decision-makers.

The purpose of this gathering was simple: to give insight into who we are, what we do, and the impact we have built since 2013.

Urban Ruins has grown into a true flagship of transformation — a space where lives are changed daily through feeding schemes, skills development, and community upliftment.

Every month, thousands of individuals rely on the work we do, and it is through continued support that we are able to keep going.

To those who attended, we extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude.

ALSO READ: Letter to the Editor: Give deaf people a chance

Your presence, your engagement, and your willingness to learn more about our mission mean more than words can express. You took the time to witness the reality behind the work, and that alone sets you apart.

We are incredibly thankful for your support and look forward to building meaningful partnerships together.

At the same time, we must be honest.

It was disappointing that a number of individuals and companies who had confirmed their attendance were unable to join us, many only informing us at the last moment.

As a non-profit organisation, every commitment matters. Not only in planning, but also in the resources we allocate to make events like this possible.

However, the door remains open.

If you were unable to attend, we strongly encourage you not to miss the opportunity to be part of something that is actively changing lives.

The ‘magic’ of Urban Ruins is not something that can be fully explained – it is something that must be seen, felt, and experienced. And even if you missed this event, your support is still needed and deeply valued.

We are at a critical point where growth is possible, but only with the right partnerships and financial backing.

Whether through a once-off donation or ongoing monthly or quarterly contributions, your involvement directly impacts how many people we can feed, train, and support.

Urban Ruins is not just a project; it is a movement. A movement driven by purpose, sustained by community, and powered by those who choose to stand with us.

We invite you to be part of this journey.

Together, we can continue to grow. Together, we can continue to serve. Together, we can continue to change lives.

ALSO READ: Letter to the Editor: This Eddie Murphy lookalike is heaven-sent!