A warm hug between Operation Bobbi Bear’s founder and a young woman rescued by the organisation nearly 20 years ago puts their life-saving work in child protection into perspective.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (11 June 2026) – The work done at Operation Bobbi Bear – an organisation that provides safe havens and support to children who seek refuge from abuse – places the team face-to-face with some of the most heartbreaking situations that children experience.
Their mission is always to help. To bring those children to safety and hope again. For decades, the organisation has stood alongside young victims who have experienced unimaginable trauma, helping them navigate the justice system and begin the long journey towards healing, in a system stretched way beyond its limits…
These efforts are tireless, unending and difficult. Every now and then, a ray of light arrives that proves why none of it is in vain. This week, that reminder came in the form of a young woman who walked through Operation Bobbi Bear’s doors and straight into founder Jackie Branfield’s arms.
“An almost 21-year-old young woman ran into my arms today, sobbing and hugging me tightly. She held onto me as if she never wanted to let go.” the organisation shared.
Jackie immediately knew who she was. The young woman had been rescued by the organisation almost two decades ago when she was still a small child in need of protection and care.
“I immediately recognized this beautiful young woman from a rescue we did almost 20 years ago, when she was just a tiny, vulnerable little person. No words were spoken. In that moment, we didn’t need them. We both just knew. We stood there, silently embracing, with tears running down our faces.”
It was the chance to see not the frightened child they had once helped, but the woman she had become.
“To feel her safe, strong, and grown up, holding onto the place that once shielded her from the dark… there are no words to describe that feeling. It is a beautiful, humbling reminder that we made a difference in her life.”
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Love Pours in for Robinhills Children's Home After Pantry Runs DryThat is a true measure of the work Operation Bobbi Bear does. The organisation is best known for supporting children who have experienced abuse, providing safe spaces, counselling, court preparation and advocacy while helping young survivors find justice and healing. Through rescue centres and safe houses across KwaZulu-Natal, the team works tirelessly to ensure children are protected and never forgotten.
Most of the victories the team sees happen over months and years as children rebuild their lives. Sometimes, those victories come back to say thank you.
“The seeds of love and protection planted two decades ago held fast. When the cupboards are low, when the mental war gets heavy, and when the system feels overwhelming—THIS is what keeps us going. One life at a time. One rescue at a time.”
Jackie also shared her gratitude for the many people who played a role in the young woman’s journey, particularly the foster mother who helped raise her.
“Thank you to everyone who supports Operation Bobbi Bear. Because of your help, that little girl survived to become the remarkable 21-year-old woman who walked through our doors today. Thank you to the foster mom who opened her heart to this precious child, your love and perseverance changed the life of this young woman.”
This story is an important reminder that the impact of helping a child doesn’t end on the day they are rescued. It all comes full circle decades later in a tearful hug that says everything years of healing and words just could not.
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