Durban North philanthropist loves empowering women and children

GIVING back is something that has been embedded in Rachel Kinloch since she was a child. Growing up, she watched her mom volunteer at various organisations, so naturally, she followed suit and now spends her free time assisting those in need.

Kinloch is part of The Angel Network Durban which includes two other amazing women like herself, Tanya Altshuler and Rachel Maehler. She is a qualified teacher and is also a certified postpartum doula.

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“My mom has inspired me to give back, and that’s something I pass on to my sons, as well. They come with me to outreach projects and are always eager to donate their pre-loved clothes and toys. I feel that if every single citizen helped where they could, in whatever small way, we could change thousands of lives. We could change the country. It also keeps me humble,” she said.

Much of Kinloch’s time is spent with The Angel Network which helps women and children in need, whether it be through upskilling, education or medical intervention. The Angel Network also supports NPOs such as City of Faith, Love Mark, Mission Thando and many tertiary students.

“I joined the organisation eight years ago, and the project that has moved me is assisting the women and children refugees who flee their countries looking for better lives. We have provided sanitaryware, schooling transport and education for them. I also have a huge amount of time for any of our early childhood development projects. Being a teacher, educating children is my passion,” she added.

Mamandla Fellowship, a movement initiated to change and improve the lives of moms, is another organisation Kinloch supports.

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“The organisation believes that taking care of children starts at conception, so pregnant women need proper care, too. That means better pregnancy education, securing grants so women have access to better prenatal care and much more,” she added.

Kinloch qualified as a postpartum doula after experiencing post-natal depression about nine years ago. After realising that becoming a mother can be a very lonely road for some, she knew there were other moms out there who could do with the support.

“At first, it was supposed to be a business. I had a business plan and name picked out, but then, I realised that this work comes from the heart, and I couldn’t charge anyone, so I consult with moms and teach them about breastfeeding and nutrition and chat to them about any challenges they may have, especially with their mental and physical health,” she added.

“I believe that we all have the ability to make a positive change in someone’s life. When we leave this Earth, what matters most is the legacy we left behind,” she said.

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