Cupcakes reach out to créche
The night of music was both to entertain and raise funds for children in need
Music and children lovers came out in their numbers to Kempton Park Civic Centre to enjoy a charity night of entertainment by a capella group Navi Redd.
The event was hosted by Kempton Park-based charity organisation, Crazy Cupcake Children’s Foundation and all proceeds went to their charity projects.
Anton Posthumus, CEO and one of three directors of the foundation, said the fundraiser was also to pay tribute to the owner of Bana Ba Kgotso (children of peace), a créche and aftercare centre in Tembisa the foundation is assisting.
“We have identified this créche that is in desperate need of help. It is our aim not to help them on a once-off basis but in order for them to benefit more. We plan on building a long term relationship with them,” he said.
“We wanted with tonight’s fundraiser to also acknowledge the 10 years of hard work the owner Dennis has put into helping the children. We also wanted to say well done to her,” explained Posthumus.
Dennis Rasekgela (39) started Bana ba Kgotso in Vusimusi Tembisa in 2006 with just one child. At the time she was a street vendor selling sweets and cigarettes to get by.
Today Rasekgela is a soccer referee and is also taking care of and feeding 66 children daily.
NAVI Redd had both young and old entertained using just their voices to perform.
“I love children. in the morning we take care of 32 children aged from six months and after school the older children come for aftercare. We feed them, teach them about the Bible, give them dance lessons and drama classes and help with their homework,” explained Rasekgela.
Rasekgela has two women assisting her on a voluntary basis with the children but at times she is able to pay them R850 for the month.
“I use the money that I get from being a referee to run the créche. Some of the parents who can afford to pay R150 a month for their children also contribute to the running of the organisation and we also survive with grocery and other donations, such as what we received from Anton and the Crazy Cupcake Children’s Foundation.”
She said they were grateful for all the help they were receiving from the foundation but that their biggest challenge at the moment was space.
“We need a bigger space so we can accommodate more children and build jungle gyms and sports facilities,” she said. At the moment the créche is being run from Rasekgela’s home.
The Crazy Cupcake Children’s Foundation was registered last year and focuses on assisting less-fortunate children. Posthumus said his calling to start the non-profit organisation came after attending a kids’ camp in 2013.
“During 2013 my wife and I learnt of Royal Family Kids Camp. This organisation takes abused and neglected children away on a holiday every year. We went through the initial training and attended our first camp that December.”
“After just five days with the children it gave me a whole new perspective on working with abused and neglected children. I was more sensitised to their needs and they made a huge impact on my life. I left the camp with a filled heart and a desire to do more.”
During February the next year, Posthumus attended a clowning seminar, and Cupcake the Clown came into being.
“My wife made my outfit and I practised ‘doing my face’. My first gig was in May 2014 and it was such a rewarding experience to see all those little faces hanging on every word and gesture, and the pure joy when they laughed – it was priceless.”
In August 2015 Crazy Cupcake Children’s Foundation was officially registered.
“The foundation is faith-based and a volunteer-led organisation with their activities centred on the scripture, ‘whoever welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me’, found in Matthew 18:5. We strive to help each child realise how valuable he or she is, what unique talents or strengths they might have, and how much God loves them regardless of race, gender or social status.
“The foundation commits itself to reaching out to the needy and underprivileged children, including evangelism and missionary activities, and bringing them into a loving relationship with the Heavenly Father,” explained Posthumus.
Posthumus said they required help in buying basic food items such as mielie meal, rice, samp, soya mince, sugar, tea and so on for Bana Ba Kgotso.
“Cleaning materials like soap and soap powder and nappies for the babies are also needed. Her home uses prepaid electricity and it is essential in order to cook the meals every day. Let us invest in our children of today, ensuring they are balanced and effective adults of tomorrow.”
If you would like to contribute to the foundation or créche, you can email Posthumus on: info@3cf.org.za or you may make a deposit into its account:
Crazy Cupcake Children’s Foundation:
First National Bank
Account number: 6255 735 0023
Branch code: 260231
