The Legacy Foundation marked a significant milestone on September 6, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special fundraising gala dinner at Church Alive in Northcliff. The event not only commemorated a decade of dedicated service as a registered non-profit organisation; it also aimed to raise awareness and funds to expand the foundation’s impactful projects.

Chairperson Stephanie Sparks reflected on the foundation’s journey, emphasising the profound difference it has made in the lives of many, through various initiatives.

“We’ve been operating as a registered NPO for over ten years, and it’s a moment to recognise the lives we’ve touched and the people who have benefited from our initiatives. ”The foundation’s work primarily focuses on education, aligning with sustainable development goals related to empowering educators and supporting learners.

Read more: Emmarentia Residents Association invites residents to volunteer and shape Emmarentia’s future 

One of its standout programmes is the Dignity Project, which provides washable sanitary pads to girls in grades 6 and 7, addressing women’s empowerment.

“The Dignity Project started in 2020, right after Covid-19,” Sparks shared. “We initially donated to 300 girls at a school in Zandspruit and have since continued supporting Julius Sebolia Primary School in Soweto. We also developed a menstrual health workshop as part of our Girls’ Fairy Interactive Educational Workshop.”

Their educational support is divided into two main areas: Learner support and school support. Learner support includes initiatives such as the Stationery Project, the Dignity Project, and bursaries for tertiary and, sometimes, secondary education.

School support focuses on training educators, particularly early childhood development (ECD) principals, offering financial management courses, and upgrading facilities with projects like vegetable gardens and classroom renovations.

Also read: Victory for residents as city scraps CCTV by-law

Sparks expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support from the Church Alive community and the foundation’s volunteers. “A big portion of our income comes from this church, and without their funding, much of what we’ve achieved wouldn’t have been possible. Equally important are the volunteers – mostly teenagers and young adults – who serve tirelessly.”

Church Alive senior pastor Johan Minnaar also shared his appreciation for the event and the foundation’s progress. “I am extremely grateful, because, as I said in my opening, it almost feels like their first official big fundraiser in ten years. For me, it feels more like a graduation of sorts, because this is the first time they’ve really stepped out from under the protection of the founding house.

They’ve built up, not just their reputation, but a repertoire of very successful projects within the educational support arena. “They’ve been doing great things, and I think this event will springboard them into another level of impact and influence in the years to come.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!