The festive season is meant for giving, and who better to give to than children who really need it? Miss Elite South Africa finalist and Krugersdorp resident Tenicke Smit has always had a heart for helping. She knew that, as 2020 drew to a close, a lot more people were in need.
Last year in August, Tenicke read an article in the News’ sister newspaper Roodepoort Record about the need at the Child Welfare South Africa’s Roodepoort (CWSA) branch and jumped right in to collect loads of toys and children’s clothes.
I realised while reading the article that an organisation such as CWSA was literally around the corner from where I stay, which made me think of the old proverb ‘charity begins at home’,” she said.
After delivering everything she collected to the centre, she made a promise to CWSA to create more awareness for the organisation through her charitable and pageantry work.
Tenicke regularly participates in and starts up her own charitable projects as part of her pageantry journey. Throughout 2020 she worked tirelessly to support the Cradle of Hope in Krugersdorp, and is now branching out as she tries to touch as many lives as possible.
“The non-profit organisation covers more than 25 areas, assisting children who are victims of neglect, abuse and abandonment, and relies heavily on community donations to keep its doors open. CWSA said they were finding it near impossible to raise funds and it was becoming more and more difficult to support children and foster families without assistance. Covid-19 has taken a huge toll on CWSA and these organisations are finding it very difficult to support those in need without the assistance of the communities,” Tenicke explained.
With 2021 rolling in at full force, Tenicke is setting her sights on collecting school stationery, clothes and toys for the children who will need it the most when schools reopen towards the end of January.
