Fairies spread hope

Magical Moments charity is dedicated to creating extraordinary moments for abandoned, abused, underprivileged and orphaned children in different communities around Johannesburg.

Magical Moments founder, Ilana Friedman said she was inspired to give back to disadvantaged children after she faced a traumatic experience that changed her perspective on life and led her to embark on a sabbatical for a month. During her sabbatical, she visited a feeding scheme in Eldorado Park, where she saw the joy the cake and treats she donated brought them.

“I was inspired to leave the corporate world after I was involved in charity work. Magical Moments was founded by me from that point and I embarked on a journey of touching the lives of the disadvantaged,” said Friedman.

“I go looking for children in need in the streets of Joburg, charities and schools and believe in planting seeds of hope in impoverished communities through activities we involve them in. We teach them affection, unconditional love and joy through Magical Moments.”

She added that, along with a group of volunteers called ‘Fairies’, they educate and stimulate children’s senses through baking classes, incorporating different themes, art and pottery classes.

They recently visited Little Gems Preschool in Emmarentia to spread joy in the children’s lives. This is all made possible through donations from fairies and their friends. Some of the areas where they’ve helped children include Alexandra, Linden, Emmarentia, Lanseria and Hillbrow.

“We also encourage children to dream and see beyond their natural environment. Most of the children I help, I aim to instil the spirit of giving back and, when they grow up, they then know how to give back to their community. We have helped over 100 000 children and are passionate about early child development from the ages of two to seven. Together, with the help of their parents and caregivers, I ensure to create dreams and inspire them to think higher,” concluded Friedman.