ABC supports Mrs Japhta's Haven for Kids

In January 2011, Donna Davids, ABC's Events and Projects Coordinator, heard about Mrs Japhta's Haven for Kids and wanted Head Office to get involved. Whenever there is a case of domestic abuse or drug use, or if parents are incapable of looking after their child/children, the SAPS bring these children to Mrs Japhta. Here they are safe, loved and cared for by Mrs Japhta and she provides as much as she possibly can, with little help. A box was placed in the office and filled with non perishable goods which were then taken to Mrs Japhta each month. Each staff member then chose one or two children to buy Christmas presents for (including essentials such as toothbrushes, flannels and stationery) and in December, a Christmas Party was arranged for the children. There was plenty of food, a jumping castle, dominoes, Father Christmas and more, and the kids had an absolute blast! It was a brilliant day, especially as we could really become involved with these children and the amazingly unselfish and giving Mrs Japhta.

To see all the pictures from this day, visit our Facebook page

 ABC raises over R100 000 for CANSA

In October 2011, ABC aimed to raise R40 000 for CANSA.This would fund 10 mobile clinics, which perform free breast examinations, pap smears and other important tests in disadvantaged communities and a breast model, to be used for educational purposes. CANSA tins were placed at every camp location across the country and each location held a drop-in session, all proceeds of which went to CANSA. ABC Houghton and the Franchise Owner and Trainer, Michelle Rozowsky, went the extra mile and masterminded a simple plan which produced amazing results. Michelle challenged all Houghton campers to get companies and individuals to sponsor them. They then had to complete a 20 minute 'Challenge' and once completed, their sponsors would 'pay' the campers. The initial aim to raise an additional R5000 for CANSA, turned into a phenomenal R58 000! Campers really took the goal to heart and went beyond everyone's expectations. In the end, the total amount raised by ABC and its campers was R102, 851.15! Thanks to each and every one of you - we are so proud!

ABC George raises funds for their local SPCA

In August 2011, ABC George hosted a Drop-in Hike in support of the SPCA. The weather played along and the ladies enjoyed a challenging hike in the beautiful Outeniqua mountains with family, friends and fellow campers. A total of R580 was raised for dog food and blankets for the local SPCA. The event was lots of fun and a great success and there are plans for similar events in the future! Thank you to everyone who participated and for your generous contribution.

ABC Sandton donate much needed supplies to Kitty & Puppy Haven

In August 2011, a desperate plea went out in the region from Kitty & Puppy Haven who were low on supplies. Sandton ladies dug deep to collect a variety of cat and dog foods, blankets and toys at their camp at George Lea Park. These were handed over to the extremely grateful ladies who manage the shelter, which is just off Corlett Drive. Some of the Sandton campers spent some time playing with the shelter animals who are always keen for a scratch or a snuggle.

See more information on Kitty & puppy haven here

ABC Houghton raises funds for LifeLine Johannesburg

In August 2011, ABC Houghton hosted a Bring a Boy Drop-In, with all proceeds from the day going to LifeLine Johannesburg. Established 43 years ago and as a non-profit organisation, it exists to facilitate the emotional wellness of individuals and communities – and to make a difference in the Greater Johannesburg communities that it serves. It supervises, debriefs, trains and pays stipends to 52 victim supporters stationed at 15 police stations across Soweto and Johannesburg. On average, this dedicated group of women and men attend to 850 victims every month.

The Bring a Boy Drop-In raised a total of R3 400, which has gone towards Lifeline's basic wishlist to empower victims - nappies, formula, baby porridge, sanitary towels, soap, flannels and groceries. Congratulations to Michelle and all who attended! If you would like more information on LifeLine, visit their website.

 ABC Somerset West & Paarl support Bosom Buddies!

In June 2011, Juli Geldenhuys and Miena van Zyl lead the Somerset West and Paarl campers in a Booty Beach Day and raised R1350 for Bosom Buddies. Bosom Buddies is a Christian, non-profit organisation who help new mothers and babies by providing them with basic sanitary and clothing needs as well as the knowledge and understanding of being a mom. Mothers are assisted in correct breastfeeding techniques and the weekly ante-natal classes are aimed at empowering women, offering spiritual help and support.

The event turned out to be a great success! Juli and Miena guided the 20 ladies and turned the beach into a Booty Burning Battlefield with different leg exercises and cardio everywhere - using steps, bushes, domes and good old fashioned running in the sand!! 

Thank you to Frances Fuchs, Project Manager for Bosom Buddies, whose mission and passion for the organisation inspired this event. For further information on Bosom Buddies, visit their website! 

ABC, its campers & Derek van Dam give back to CANSA!

In October 2010, ABC & Derek van Dam embarked on a fundraising drive to raise funds for Breast Cancer, an illness that has affected most of us in some kind of way.

CANSA collection tins were distributed to all the camps across South Africa, Drop-in camps were held with all proceeds going to CANSA and the Cape Town ladies had the unique opportunity to buy raffle tickets and stand in line to win a date with ETV’s hunky weatherman, Derek Van Dam.

We are proud to announce that with our campers’ help, we managed to raise an astounding R22 000 for CANSA! This just goes to show that a little change can make a huge change when we all come together.  

ABC gets creative for TembaCare!

In October 2010, ABC staff and Derek van Dam got their hands dirty at ThembaCare Grabouw, a facility that looks after terminally ill patients.

We managed to raise R4070 towards the day and through great teamwork we applied a much needed new coat of paint even though rainy and windy conditions tried to hold us back! It was great to see adults and children all coming together and giving up their time to paint the building, a great extra for the many patients who are cared for and supported in the community of Grabouw.

If you would like to get involved, visit their website or contact sister Thandi on (021) 859 1729.

ABC pays a visit to the Langa Love Life Centre Pre-Primary

In September 2010, ABC visited the Love Life Center in Langa, where the amazing Thelma has been running a pre-primary school for over 100 children for the past 30 years. It was impossible to not leave without feeling inspired by the amazing work she is doing in her community. In conjunction with Balls for Poverty we spread some cheer, entertained the kids and clothed them with ABC Tshirts.

For more information on the pre-primary, contact them on 021 695 1041/37/8/9 or pay them a visit at Rose Innes Street, Langa, Cape Town, 7455.

ABC celebrates Women's Day with Outward Bound

In August 2010, ABC and Outward Bound celebrated Women’s Day with 21 amazing women in Sedgefield, Knysna. Outward Bound is one of the world's leading international non-profit experiential education organisations & we were proud to be able to work with them on this event.

We facilitated an Amazing Race for 21 ladies from disadvantaged communities and goodie bags were given to each of them filled with luxurious pamper products ranging from bubble bath to moisturiser. This day was a truly unique experience with women from humble beginnings that made us truly grateful for things we tend to take for granted. We commended them for their spirit and for reminding us that a little goes a long way! Visit their website and see how you can get involved.