Founder of One Small Act of Kindness devotes her life to helping others
Kelly-Ann van der Meer said that many people know about them and understand that they're not here to judge, but to give a hand up to help them find purpose.
Despite experiencing numerous hurdles, Kelly-Ann van der Meer, founder of One Small Act of Kindness, is committed to continue assisting the underprivileged in the community.
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From running a foster home, charity school, charity shop, feeding schemes, men’s shelter feeding programme, ID assistance, and more, Van der Meer has dedicated her life in helping people.
She explained that she is passionate about what she does, and even when things get tough, she doesn’t let it get to her. Helping the community, and people realise they are worth more than just being on the street, is what keeps her going.
“I am a mother first and I adore all my children, whether they come from a horrible background or from me. I love each child equally. I have worked tirelessly to make sure that every child that walks through my doors knows they are safe and that they are loved.”
She explained the love for helping people came from her family up bringing. It’s always been something close to their hearts and being able to watch her parents help others, through the struggles, taught her a lot.
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“I love people. In our world, sadly, there aren’t enough safe places. We look at each individual differently to see how to help. The end result of seeing someone off the street, or growing to reach the next step, is incredible.”
Despite all the good things she is doing, and the love she is showing, Kelly still finds it difficult to keep everything going.
She said that every month is a struggle as they don’t receive funding, but they have a solid chain of individuals who assist and make things possible.
“We have so many dreams, but funding is difficult to find. Another challenge is the negative that’s seen around feeding schemes. Everyone who has volunteered has felt safe and had such an enjoyable, learning moment. There are still members in the community that don’t realise there aren’t enough safe places, and, sadly, we can’t rely on the government to assist, as they haven’t up until now.”
The NPO relies on donations to keep every project going, and they desperately need help with food. Items like porridge, bread, jam, peanut butter, maize, rice, and anything cleaning or toiletries related.
They recently opened a shop in Randburg CBD, to assist bringing in funds for the various people and families they support.
“Our porridge bill is R8 600 a month, this excludes the gas amounts of R4 000 a month, and many other expenses we face. The shop is there to provide lovely items to the community, who work hard to just afford life.”
They sell items like clothes, books, sports items, and toys from as little as R5.
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