How Love Changed the Lives of the Children Mandy Chose to Save

Photo Credit: Shared via BackaBuddy

Through an extraordinary twist of fate, Mandy’s life crossed paths with two precious souls, Thato and Helga, whom she’s kept off the streets and created a chosen family built on love and community support.

Johannesburg, South Africa (19 September 2025) – Life has a remarkable way of bringing together people from all sorts of backgrounds in the most unexpected ways.

Mandy-Lee Ginsberg’s own journey took a heartfelt turn when she crossed paths with 10 and 6-year-olds, Thato and Helga. She describes them as the children God chose to give her, and has since made it her life’s purpose to give them every opportunity for a hopeful and brighter future.

“Both of these children, due to circumstance, spent their first years on a sidewalk all day by my local supermarket,” Mandy shares.

Thato was just four years old when Mandy met him, helping his now-late father, Peter, push trolleys to cars to earn tips.

Helga, on the other hand, was breastfed on the side of the sidewalk while her single mother, abandoned by her husband, tirelessly worked as a Zimbabwean street vendor to sell oven gloves.

With the help of the most unbelievably supportive community, Mandy facilitates a monthly group which ensures the children’s sustenance and shelter. Through her tireless efforts, she has kept these two souls off the street and in school for five years.

“They are my world, heart and soul. They are the most beautiful children, each with a beautiful spark of light.

“We are limited in how much we can do, but every year, miracles of help ensure the sustenance of these innocent angels,” Mandy shares.

With the current school year coming to an end soon, Mandy faces the challenge of ensuring there are enough funds to ensure Thato and Helga can be schooled and educated for the following year.

With unshakable determination to give these children a bright and hopeful future, Mandy launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds for school fees and related expenses.

“We are reaching out to anybody who wants to help give them what any child deserves.

“Helga is starting ‘big school’ and we have been rejected for subsidy so we are REALLY reaching out,” she appeals.

These little lives have done nothing to deserve the tough starts they have been given. But Mandy stands in the gap to ensure their journey ahead is both loving and promising. To help Thato and Helga get the education they deserve, donate to the campaign here.