This morning a crash of Rhinos piled into the Rhino Tripping vehicles, squeezed between bags of rice and goodies, we excitedly made our way to Khayelitsha township on the outskirts of Cape Town. Our three buses caused quite a stir as we pulled up in the rain at the Khumbalani Day Care Centre.
Khumbalani is a centre for kids between the age of 0 to about 13 years, managed by an amazing lady called Gloria Bebeza. Run out of a two roomed house, Gloria cares for about 160 HIV infected or affected children daily. In addition to this, Gloria runs a soup kitchen for the local community feeding up to 350 people a day!
When we arrived the children were busy in class, but of course there’s nothing like a crash of rhinos to disrupt your organized morning. We all piled into the small house our arms burdened with gifts of food, toys and warm clothing donated by our staff, friends and clients. We brought so much stuff that we blocked up their entire kitchen! But that’s a mess which Gloria and her helpers will be more than willing to clear up. No matter how bad the weather may have been outside, these children could bring a smile to anyone’s face! It was great to see not only the children’s smiles, but also those of the Rhinos – the mood was infectious!
Rhino Africa has been supporting Khumbalani for a few years now, and in addition we are involved in the 441 Charity project, hosted by Londolozi Private Game Reserve. The project recently raised R270,000 in sponsorship for 4 orphanages in 4 provinces across South Africa. David Ryan (our big boss) was given the privilege of nominating one charity – he of course chose Gloria and the Khumbalani Day Care Centre. As such we have been able to secure one meal a day for every child Gloria supports for the next year!
Thank you to Gloria for having us, to our friends, clients and staff who donated so generously and to those special children who brought a smile to our day!
If you want to contribute – contact Rhino Africa to help make a difference to these kids!