A sweet message tucked inside a birthday card, along with just R15, these two small acts of kindness hold the power to create a world of difference for many vulnerable children and families in Fairlands, Johannesburg.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 July 2025) – To support some of the most vulnerable children raised in challenging circumstances. This has been the unshakeable tug on Stephan’s heart for the past 15 years, known to many as the Charity Begins With Me non-profit organisation.
Through kindness-driven feeding schemes, stationary drives, community gardens and Christmas parties, the charity has continuously helped fill little bellies, bring peace of mind to families troubled by uncertainty and a whole lot of warmth and joy.
Reflecting on his 15 years of spearheading incredible projects, Stephan, in a Facebook post, admitted that getting started was particularly difficult and that support was limited, but that he never gave up.
“And 15 years later, I am still going at it. It is still hard, most days.”
Through his impactful work, Stephan has always wanted to show people that they can help and make a difference without spending a significant amount of money.
And although he doesn’t like working with money, this year, Stephan wants to celebrate Charity Begins With Me’s 15th milestone birthday by embracing a sweet, “old school” approach.
“We are keeping it old school. Like the birthday cards you would get growing up. No EFT transfers. No banking details.”
Stephan is appealing to his supporters and donors to pop R15 (or more) into an envelope with a birthday card and drop it off next time they are in the Fairlands area.
On Sunday, 31 August 2025, he’ll open these cards and use the funds to create a special September surprise for the children. And even if you can’t include money, a simple birthday card with a favourite memory or words of encouragement would be a cherished gift, inspiring Stephan to continue his heartwarming work for another 15 years.
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“If you live far away, please arrange with a trustworthy friend who can do this on your behalf and who lives a little closer to us.
“Please note this is a once-off project. And once we wrap up this project, we will go back to our usual way of doing things,” Stephan assures.
It’s a little way of supporting underserved communities and a heart dedicated to uplifting them.
For more information, please visit Charity Begins With Me’s Facebook post here.
Sources: Charity Begins With Me
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