When government subsidies were cut earlier this year, many non-profit organisations were worried. For Abraham Kriel Children’s Home, the government subsidy now covers less than 30% of their expenses. Dwindling food supplies could have been a disaster for the children’s home. With 200 people to feed daily, they could easily have felt despondent. But Abraham Kriel Children’s Home has a secret weapon: the legion of friends of the children’s home!

When the “Empty pantries, empty tummies” campaign began in May, the friends of the children’s home immediately stepped in to help. “We really had a very good response,” says Gerda van der Merwe, CEO of Abraham Kriel. “We especially received a lot of game meat, pasta, milk, eggs, soup mixes, maize meal and canned food. Toiletries and cleaning supplies were also much needed, and we received those too.” Thanks to the help of the friends of the children’s home, empty pantries became full, and full tummies also mean full hearts!

“We would like to thank every donor who contributed,” says Gerda. “The response was overwhelming, and we are so grateful for it!”

We can rely on friendship in uncertain times. Friendship can carry us through hardship because it is not dependent on politics. In fact, friendship remains sincere despite chaotic circumstances. The friends of Abraham Kriel Children’s Home have carried us through the chaos once again!