Four women chose to reach out to people and organisations in need and that is how the organisation ‘Hope and Halos‘ was born.
Although they only registered their non-profitable organisation on June 23, they were active long before then. Founders Louise Mawhinney, Judy Wilkinson, Nikki Belford and Liz Rogers love a challenge when it comes to reaching out to those in need.
Hope and Halos was born from a shared compassion of its founders for people who cannot, for a number reasons, take care of themselves.
“When the Knysna fires swept through the town on June 7, they donated about R13 000 and really saw this as a sign that we were doing the right thing,” says Louise.
Their compassion is not only limited to people, but extends to animals as well.
They feel there are no boundaries when it comes to helping others.
“We couldn’t just give a donation and move on with our daily lives; we had to get involved to be able to make a difference to those less fortunate than ourselves including both people and animals,” says Louise.
It is their intention to assist as many worthy individuals, organisations and animal shelters with their basic needs.
The Potters Haven, Thandabantu Community Centre and Vita Nova Centre are three charity organisations close to their hearts.
Their motto is “with love anything is possible”.
Louise says the community of Springs and corporate sector are extremely generous regarding their donations and care for others.
The committee members are Jaclyn Reid, Wilma Ackerman, Kylie Louw, Sarah Gent, Kerry Stonell, Jeanette Delport, Janelle Hazely and Leighann Mawhinney.
“We make sure all the money and donations received are solely used to benefit charity organisations and those in need,” says Louise.
With continued support from the community and corporate sectors, their aim is to grow to a point where they can be of substantial assistance to individuals and organisations in need.
“We aim to provide emotional or financial support in the form of food, clothing or any other forms,” she says.
They are planning a jumble sale and all the funds raised at this sale will go towards a Pantry Drive with the major beneficiary being Vita Nova.
“The aim is to fill up their pantry and freezers with food,” says Louise.
