‘Angels’ change lives for the better
The organisation not only provides meals to people, but also gives out food supplies, furniture and more to those who who need it most.
Joanne Venter, a Park Rynie resident, has devoted her life to doing her best to uplift people until they are able to help themselves.
In 2009, she came across a family of three plus a dog living in terrible conditions in a small wooden structure in the Park Rynie area.
This family’s poverty-stricken lifestyle inspired Joanne to help people who cannot help themselves.
Since then, she has strived to make a difference in as many people’s lives as possible.
She initially wanted to start a feeding scheme, but then decided to register as a non-profit organisation (NPO) and called it Joanne’s Angels.
In 2010, she chose to dedicate all her time and energy to Joanne’s Angels and has received a lot of community assistance with donations and support over the years.
“This year marks 10 years since we registered the NPO and it’s amazing to see how much we’ve accomplished already,” said Joanne.
The organisation not only provides meals to people, but also gives out food supplies, furniture and more to those who who need it most.
Joanne and her team provide these much needed goods to about 700 to 1 000 people monthly.
During the lockdown period, they were able to provide for about 1 300 people.
“I am so grateful to all the kind-hearted people who were able to help us, help others during the beginning of lockdown, even though it was such a difficult time,” she said.
“We’ve worked with many individuals, the local welfares, Saps, hospitals and try to involve ourselves in any charity work that we can.”
Once every two months, Joanne’s Angels also sends ‘hospital bags’ to a local hospital on the mid-South Coast which included products and clothing needed to assist mothers from poor backgrounds to take care of their newborns.
The organisation also works closely with a rehabilitation centre in Illovo.
“Should any male drug addicts seek help from us, we refer them to this rehab centre and try to get them back on the right track to look after themselves,” explained Joanne.
“It’s not nice to continuously provide for people who are comfortable in the position they’re in. People must also try to better themselves while receiving help.”
Joanne’s Angels accepts donations such as furniture, clothes, food and cash. Some of the goods are donated to the needy while other items are sold at a market and the income used to purchase food to feed the underprivileged.
The organisation, consisting of her helpers or ‘Angels’ as she calls them come together once a month to work on practical projects such as knitting clothing items for the hospital bags.
A year after the NGO was started, Joanne created the annual Shoebox Campaign which brought love and joy into the lives of many people, both young and old.
People decorated a shoebox and filled it with treats, toys and a clothing item for children or snacks, toiletries and a warm pair of socks for the elderly.
“With this campaign, we wanted to show people that they are loved and cared for and it’s heartwarming being able to put smiles on people’s faces,” said Joanne.
To contribute to the Shoebox Campaign or to get involved with Joanne’s Angels, contact Joanne at 082-3377330.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
