About Us
Our Journey: A story of Hope, Faith and Community
In 2005, it all began with a heart for those in need.
Richard Clark set out on a mission to deliver gift bags to the previously disadvantaged children and elderly in the Karoo. The first trip, made to Middelpos, Fraserburg and Sutherland, was just the beginning of the journey that would touch so many lives across South Africa.
A Year-by-Year reflection of God’s Faithfulness
2006 – A Growing Reach:
In 2006, the charity expanded its outreach to Laingsburg and Ladysmith, travelling the dusty back roads of the Karoo. A generous sponsorship from Izak Smith, provided a Mercedes Vito Bus, ensuring a safe journey and enabling the team to reach even more communities.
2007 – Expanding to New Towns:
With continues support, the outreach grew to include De Doorns, Montagu, Ladismith, Van Wyksdorp, Herbertsdale, Mossel bay and Riversdale. The Mercedes Vito Bus, once again sponsored by Izak Smith, carried not just gifts, but hope to these towns.
2008 – Humble Beginnings, Great Impact:
In 2008, the team saw significant growth in both people and resources. Key new members joined the cause: Tony Da Costa, Izak Smith, Johan Van Schalkwyk, Wayne Gentry, Ernst Jordaan and Marilyn Beck. That year, the charity reached out to Rietbron, delivering food parcels that fed the entire town.
2009 – Serving the Elderly:
The charity’s work continued to expand in 2009 with a trip to Merweville. There, the team delivered food parcels to the senior citizens of the “Karoobossies” club, as well as gift bags for children at local schools, continuing the mission of serving both the young and the elderly.
2011 – Loeriesfontein:
In 2011, the focus turned to Loeriesfontein, where food parcels were delivered, providing essential support to this rural community.
Building a Foundation of Hope
2012 – 2013 – Making a Lasting Impact in Merweville:
In 2012 and 2013, Merweville became a focal point for the charity’s efforts. The team decided to make this town their “Project of Hope”. They began improving the lives of the children at the local boarding home, delivering electrical kitchen appliances, installing DSTV “for educational programs and sports) and even further providing sports equipment including netball gear.
The first “Time to Care” competition took place in 2012, with two Breitling watches awarded as prizes, highlighting the community’s dedication and support.
2014 – A year of Growth and Blessings:
In 2014, the charity received generous donations from numerous supporters. A complete play park was built at the Merweville Boarding House. The charity’s annual S2M event saw growing number of participants. It was during this time that Richard became aware of the need at Huis Malan Jacobs, an aged care home in Laingsburg. His heart was stirred to do more for the elderly residents there, leading to donations of essential items like knitting wool, biscuit pants, heart monitors and other necessities.
2015 – Expanding Reach, Blessing more Communities:
In 2015, the charity’s S2M event was a great success. The funds raised were used to bless Huis Mervia with much needed groceries, toiletries and kitchen equipment. Additionally, donations from the event enabled the renovation for the tennis and netball courts at the local school, allowing the children of Merweville to enjoy their sports even more.
The charity also began providing ongoing support for high school students who had left Merweville Primary, ensuring that had school uniforms, sports gear and casual wear.
Continued Growth and Unwavering Faith
2016 – Improving Facilities and Security:
In 2016, improvements to the boarding home continued. Wall fans were installed in the bedrooms to help with the intense summer heat and floodlights were added to enhance security.
The charity also focused on the maintenance of the rugby field, providing resources to keep it in good condition for the children to use.
2017 – Celebrating Special Moments:
2017 saw the introduction of a special initiative: providing a birthday cake and gift to every learner at Merweville Primary School. This idea, brough to life with the help of Petro Maas and Alta van Eeden, was a tangible way to show the children how much they are valued.
The charity also made significant improvements to the hostel’s kitchen, installing additional fans to ease the extreme temperatures and making curtains to protect the kitchen from the scorching Karoo heat.
2018 – Continuing to Serve:
om 2018, the charity made another important contribution, delivering new mattresses to Huis Mervia to improve the residents comfort. A Reserve Osmosis (RO) water system supplied by Dulce Water, was installed to provide clean drinking water and various repairs were carried out at the boarding home.
Moving Forward with Hope and Faith
The journey from 2005 to today has been one of unwavering faith and dedication. From humble beginnings, the charity has grown into a lifeline for countless individuals across the Karoo, offering support, comfort and tangible help for children, elderly and those facing hardship.
Every year, more people join the cause, and more lives are touched by the generous hearts of donors, volunteers, and supporters. We give thanks to God for His provision and guidance throughout this incredible journey, and we look forward to what He will continue to do through this mission of love.
How can you help?
Partner with us:
We invite you to join our mission. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or prayer, makes it possible for us to continue making a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Together, we can spread hope and faith to those who need it most.
Donate today:
Your contributions help fund the delivery of food, gifts, educational resources and life changing improvements for children and elderly individuals in need. Every gift makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey
We are grateful to every person, family and organisation that has walked this path with us. Together, we are transforming lives, bringing hope and showing God’s love to the farthest corners of the Karoo.
