South Africa

The Aspen Holdings team engaged with Key of Hope, a United States driven child welfare organisation that cares for 1500 destitute children. Some are orphans and are HIV positive while others come from under-privileged homes. Key of Hope assists the children with the payment of their school fees, provision of various skills and leadership programmes and constructive extramural activities. This NGO’s end-goal is to ensure that the children are supported through to matric after which they try to help obtain internships or tertiary education and ultimately employment for the young adults.

To celebrate Madela Day the children were transported to Parlock Grounds from 14 different settlements in Durban, and once registered, the fun began. Aspen’s Stephen Saad and Gus Attridge were among the employees supporting the children for the day and the event was formally opened with the national anthem sung by the Key of Hope choir which has been invited to tour the US over the December holidays and also to sing at Disney World.

The children enjoyed a host of activities and games and were also treated to a traditional South Africa braai and refreshments before enjoying the huge Mandela birthday cake. The discipline among the children was admirable and it was encouraging to note how the leadership skills of the older children are being developed to stand them in good stead in the future. The grateful children each received a goodie bag. Various donations including clothing, stationery packs, a large plasma television and a financial contribution were also handed over to the Key of Hope.