Dear Ladles Supporter
August arrives in the wake of an epic Mandela Day, and with it comes a powerful shift: from hands-on volunteerism to honouring the pioneering women who nurture, feed and protect little children in underserved communities where poverty is relentless, crime is rife, and safe childhoods are never guaranteed.
We are proud to announce the official launch of the Ladles of Love Heroes of Hope Excellence Awards, created to recognise the preschool principals who are changing the lives of children.
Hosted in August annually, the awards celebrate excellence in nutrition, governance, education, enterprise development and resilient leadership. Yolanda Jones, our Programme Director, shares why this recognition matters so deeply.
“Across our communities, courageous women are opening their doors and giving their time, strength and resources to create safe, nurturing spaces for young children who might otherwise be left vulnerable, unseen or roaming the streets. These women do far more than supervise children. What started out as wanting to create a safe space for children playing by themselves in the streets, have become haven of hope, a place of safety, a place where love abounds and intentional care is provided day after day.
Today, the food support they receive allows them to redirect funds they would have spent on food towards strengthening their centres. They are upgrading facilities for the benefit of the children, equipping staff, improving learning environments and working towards compliance in every area that affects the wellbeing of the children in their care, for the benefit of the children. None of this is for personal gain.
Every improvement is made with one purpose: to secure a brighter future for a child. These women are the vehicles driving meaningful change in communities where children could so easily have been forgotten. Their commitment turns hunger into nourishment, vulnerability into safety, and uncertainty into possibility. That kind of selfless leadership is surely worth recognising and investing in.
We invite you to partner with us in celebrating these remarkable women at our national Excellence Awards Ceremony in Cape Town on 28 August. A contribution of R500 sponsors one woman, while R5,000 enables us to honour ten women whose daily service is transforming children’s lives and strengthening entire communities. Your social investment, donation or prize sponsorship is more than support for a Women’s Month event. It is the fuel that keeps this vehicle of change moving forward, helping another child receive nourishment, another safe space to grow stronger and another future to take shape.
Together, let us ensure that these extraordinary women know their sacrifice, leadership and impact are seen, valued and celebrated.”
With our gratitude and appreciation,
Danny and the Ladles of Love team.
