The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund has provided a trusted platform for the community to uplift generations of vulnerable children since 2003.

From its founding by Courier co-founder Rose Stephenson to its current stewardship under co-ordinator Charmaine Premlal, the Fund has remained committed to channelling donations to trustworthy NGOs and community groups doing frontline care. With close oversight and stringent audits, donors are assured that every rand reaches those who need it most, whether through feeding schemes, bursaries or emergency assistance. The Fund also does regular community drives for school shoes, soup, socks and winter blankets.

The Fund has grown steadily, reaching a R10-million fundraising milestone this year, directly supporting thousands of children and families. Below are testimonials from some of the organisations that have benefitted from its support.

Enduduzweni Care Centre – Melville
For more than eight years, Enduduzweni has relied on the Orphan Fund to provide cooked, nutritious meals every weekday to over 100 orphans and vulnerable children
from Melville, Shombela, Ntshawini, Mnyundwini and Groutville. For many children, this is the only reliable meal they receive.

“To continue delivering this essential service and improve the quality of our meals, we depend deeply on the Fund’s ongoing support,” said centre co-ordinator Mondli Ngema.

“Their unwavering commitment is a cornerstone of our ability to bring hope, nourishment and dignity to the children we serve.”

Yiloleli Dwala Crèche – Groutville

Since partnering with the Fund in 2023, the crèche has received monthly food parcels that allow them to provide nourishing meals for the young children
in their care.

“We are truly blessed to have such caring partners who prioritise the wellbeing of our children,” said Trinity Nyati.

Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) – Ballito

The Ballito SSVP has partnered with the Orphan Fund for many years, receiving monetary donations, food items, bedding and clothing. A volunteer-driven public benefit organisation operating for over 35 years, SSVP runs a care centre in Nkobongo, distributing weekly food parcels, providing daily hot meals for the housebound and supplying clothing and linen as needed.

“We are dependent on donations, and without these, and our incredible volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to uplift the community or keep the Nkobongo Kwa St Vincent Centre on the map as a place of comfort and care,” said SSVP president John Payne.

“We are grateful to the Orphan Fund for their ongoing support and for all they do in the greater Ballito community.

Siyakhula Crèche – Shaka’s Head

The relationship with the Fund began in 2022 with the distribution of gifts to the children. After severe local flooding, the Fund also supplied maize meal to affected households.

In 2023, the crèche began receiving Lali Foods vouchers, enabling them to prepare meals for children from poor homes. A published story in the Courier inspired a generous response from a local moms’ group and a church, resulting in a R20 000 donation and a joyful Christmas party for 150 children – complete with transport, food, gifts and games.

Siyakhula Crèche – Groutville

When the crèche urgently needed food for its 57 pupils they reached out to the Orphan Fund and they began receiving quarterly food vouchers redeemed at Lali Foods, enabling them to feed the children consistently. Even after classes end on Fridays, the centre stays open so children in need can eat, a lifeline for many families.

Practising Christian Outreach Trust

Since 2003, the Practising Christian Outreach Trust has collected sell-by-date food from local retailers and distributed it daily to elderly people, orphaned children and vulnerable families, even in remote and high-risk areas of rural Ndwedwe. They have delivered 2.5-Million meals, rescued abandoned babies and supported traumatised children.

“I can sincerely say that without the Courier’s help I would not have been able to do this work on my own,” said founder trustee Derek Olds.

“Thank you, management, ladies and staff. I truly feel welcome and part of your inspiring family.

Isinakekelo Foundation

Introduced to the Fund in 2019, the Isinakekelo Foundation has received critical support in the form of food vouchers, school shoes, toys, sanitary pads, and recently, Waltons tables and chairs for children. This assistance allows the Foundation to continue fostering cognitive, emotional and skill development among vulnerable children.

Sinikithemba Organisation – Groutville

Sinikithemba, rooted in Sinosizo Siyaphambili (founded 2012), began receiving support in 2016. Based at Groutville Mission (Aldinville Primary School), the organisation runs after-school care, holiday programmes and Christmas celebrations. Food vouchers redeemed at Lali Foods remain vital to providing nutritious meals throughout the year.

Smile With Us – Jan’s Farm, Frasers

Since 2016, Smile With Us has been feeding 300 children every weekday, all year round, ensuring no child goes hungry.

“God bless you, Orphan Fund, for being our pillar of strength through these years. We pray you grow from strength to strength and achieve everything you aim for,” said founder Cindy Bansi.

St Phillips HIV/AIDS Ministry and Outreach -Shakaville

Since 2018, the Fund has supported St Phillips in feeding 100 vulnerable children regularly.
“Your continuous kindness will have a lasting impact on their lives, nourishing their bodies and warming their hearts. Thank you for partnering with us to make a difference,” said Thulile Ngcobo.

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