When Hope Answered Bella’s Blessings Call for Help to Keep Afloat

Photo Credit: Bella’s Blessings via Facebook

When Bella’s Blessings needed hope most, one heartfelt appeal inspired a community to give, run and rally together – even fully funding a bright little one’s registration for big school next year.

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 October 2026) – When Lauren Woolard shared the strain she and her team had been carrying while trying to keep Bella’s Blessings afloat, her heart was heavy.

Taking to social media, she opened up about the reality of keeping the home going each month – from paying rent and salaries to covering nappies, food and school expenses, regardless of how much money was in their bank account.

Despite the possibility that another appeal might go unanswered, Lauren shared their plight last week. In it, she explained that Ava, one of the children in her care, had received a bursary to attend school next year, but funds were still needed to secure it because the bursary did not cover the application fee, acceptance fee or school-readiness assessment.

Little Ava. Photo Credit: Bella’s Blessings via Facebook

Although she was on the brink of giving up, weighed down by the many financial responsibilities on her shoulders, Lauren asked for help…and her appeal did not fall on deaf ears.

Soon after she posted her pages as well as on the I Love Fourways Facebook group, support poured into the comments! Several people offered to help, including one person who offered to pay the full R4,500 needed for registration expenses and secure Ava’s bursary for next year.

South Africans showed up for Bella’s Blessings in its hour of great need, offering support beyond anything the team had expected. As Lauren shared with us:

“We had so many people come forward and assist, and we were able to raise money to cover not only those fees, but rent and the staff salaries for the month. At the time we shared the appeal to cover Ava’s costs, we would not have been able to cover this month with the costs rising as they are.”

Adding to this heartwarming show of support, Director of Sport at St Stithians Boys’ Prep, Craig Taylor dedicated his weekend to running for the charity. Joined by Nix, Gareth and other runners, he completed 24 laps of 4.5 km around St Stithians Ring Road, running from 3 pm on Saturday until 3 pm on Sunday.

Photo Credit: Bella’s Blessings via Facebook

His goal was to raise awareness and funds for the organisation, which provides a safe, loving home for abandoned babies and toddlers with special needs.

By the end of a very long 24 hours, Craig had not only reached his R10,000 fundraising target but more than doubled it, raising an incredible R24,569!

“To every single person who came out to run a lap, who supported them along the way, who donated, cheered, encouraged and became part of this unbelievable initiative — thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made this weekend what it was,” Lauren said.

“What you achieved physically this weekend is beyond anything I could ever imagine doing, but the fact that you chose to do it for us and for our children is something I still can’t quite wrap my head around.”

Bella’s Blessings may face financial storms, but it continues to stand strong because of this community support. Its doors remain open because people care enough to step in, help, give, share and, sometimes, even run an absolutely extraordinary number of kilometres for it.

Well done, South Africa! Because you answered a call for help and chose kindness, Bella’s children can now look forward to safer, brighter days.