The Angel Network is true to its name in every sense! Today, the Angels celebrate their 9th birthday, and South Africa should celebrate too, as thanks to them, thousands of lives have been changed for the better. We reflect on a few of the Angels’ stories that made us proud to be South African:
South Africa (12 November 2024) — The Angel Network is true to its name in every sense. An incredible network of leaders, change-makers, active citizens, mothers, aunts, friends and helpers, the organisation founded by Glynne Wolman exists on a simple promise: to help where help is needed. And on its 9th birthday, the Angels can sit back (hopefully with enough room for their wings) and say that they have delivered on this promise in ways that would make even the most cynical individual consider that miracles might just be real.
It might sound fluffy, but the proof lies in the lives that have been changed for the better through the Angels’ work.
This work is not particular to any one charity or organisation. Instead, it deals in connecting those who need help with those who can provide it. Through an impressive system of collaborations, the power of social media, and spectacular grit, the Angels consistently transform lives across the country.
Good Things Guy has long been telling stories from the Angels. And so, in honour of their 9th birthday, here are 9 Angels’ stories that have made us tear up, believe in more people and feel prouder to be South African!
Siboniso’s Story That Made All of Us Cry
In 2019, 11-year-old Siboniso had a dream to attend a real school. A young boy who has Autism, Siboniso’s family did not have the funds to send him to a special needs school. But he was determined to enjoy education and so each day, he put on his uniform, laced up his perfectly polished shoes and picked up his bag filled with books. He walked over to a shady spot under the tree next to his house and sat down to do his schooling all alone.
The Angel Network learnt of his story and knew they had to get involved to make his educational dreams a reality. Thanks to their network, Siboniso’s schooling fundraiser was a huge success and even came with extra funds to help him in the future.
Update: Boy self-schooling under tree attends first day of school
Lives in Alex Changed in Just an Hour
In 2020 during the thick of lockdown during winter, a part of Alexandra was gutted by a fire, leaving 1,000 people without homes.
The Angel Network were immediately on the case to help and started a collection drive for the affected people. In one hour, thousands of blankets and bags filled with clothing and groceries were dropped off. Thanks to their network, one hour alone made a world of difference!
Thousands of blankets, meals and more donated in one hour to Alex fire survivors
This was one of many, many stories of help from the Angels during the pandemic. They helped feed, clothe and support so many South Africans during this time and were a shining example of the power collaboration yields during tough times.
Giving Shadrack a Fighting Chance
In 2021, the Angel Network rallied behind Shadrack Kuchale, a father of two who was left paralysed from the shoulders down after he was held up and shot at gunpoint. They were determined to give him a fighting chance at recovery by supporting his medical care, and they did with over R400,000 raised!
Community Support Family Man after Armed Robbery Leaves Him Paralysed
Scores of Orphans Received Fully-Kitted Backpacks
In 2022, the Angels were determined to ensure that over 1,000 orphans would have the best start to their school year with fully-kitted backpacks. Their network went above and beyond, providing 1,800 backpacks!
Charity Left in Awe of SA Generosity After Call to Help Children is Answered
Brian the Legal Eagle’s Dreams Supported
In 2022, Brian Davvy Ndlovu was a car guard who took a massive leap of faith and registered for a Higher Certificate in Law.
As time went on and Brian needed to pay for dreams of becoming a legal eagle, he was guided to the Angel Network who welcomed his dream and made a plan to give him his shot. They paid his tuition for the first semster in full. And the second. Soon, he was basking in distinctions!
Their community wanted to see him continue to flourish and supported him with books and clothes. In 2023, the Angels let us know that he had been offered a job at a law firm and that they were supporting his studies for a BCom Law!
Car Guard-Turned-Legal Eagle! Brian Ndlovu and His Angels Inspire
An Eggeptional Amount of Easter Eggs
Every Easter, the Angel Network sets its mark on making sure orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children have a special treat to enjoy. In fact, they are the unsung Easter Bunnies in South Africa!
In early 2023, they managed to provide 10,000 children with Easter egg treats and a reason to smile.
They Did It Again! Angel Network Collects 10,000 Easter Eggs for Charity
The Telethon That Raised 2.8 Million for Multiple Areas of Need!
In 2023, the Angel Network Telethon was been an outstanding success with the team of volunteers raising R2.8 million within 48 hours! These funds were be used to educate, nourish, uplift and upskill people in need.
R2.8-Million Raised in 48 hours for South African Charity’s UPliftment Plans
Future-transforming Heart Surgery Funds Trust to the Angels
At the end of 2023, a guardian angel trusted the Angel Network with R1 million on the condition that the money would be used for surgeries that would change or save the lives of children in South Africa.
The Angel Network Durban, hardworking medical teams and The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, three futures were transformed through heart surgeries!
Guardian Angel Gives R1 Million to Make Life-Changing Heart Surgeries Possible!
This was not the last of the guardian angel’s incredible kindness, with two more lives transformed in June 2024!
Changing Siphiso’s Life Forever
Siphiso was begging on the street, plagued by a cyst that had left him disfigured. But a lot would change after the Angel Network got involved, including Siphiso’s long-awaited surgical help that happened just a few months ago! Now, he has the function of both his eyes once again and a bigger smile to boast.
It Took a Village of Angels, But Siphiso’s Life Has Changed Forever
What the Angels are Up to Now: Helping Alison Botha Climb a Medical Mountain
As warrior Alison Botha begins her recovery from a brain aneurysm, all the Angels are cheering her on and giving her one less thing to worry about—medical costs. So far, they have raised just over half, and you can be the reason they celebrate another job well done by contributing to the campaign for Alison here.
You can keep up with the Angel Network (and wish them a happy 9th birthday) here.
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