Ambassador Cheetahs bring smiles to kids in need

The ambassador cheetahs of our farm have brought smiles to thousands of learners through the years. There is no better feeling as an environmental educator than the moment when learners meet the cheetah, and their faces light up with the broadest smiles. Some of most appreciative children are those that have faced more adversities in their lives than most adults could imagine. 

Kids haven have an annual "Friends of Animals day". The shelter in situated in Benoni, and their mission is to reach out to children on the streets and others in need in our community. They strive to provide them with love and shelter in a nurturing, secure environment. Kids haven gives them guidance, therapy, training and support so that they can be the best they can be and take their rightful place in the community. Byron visited this home on 17th August as part of the Friends of Animals, and we loved allowing the children of the home to meet Byron after learning about cheetahs, and conservation.I was amazed at how well spoken knowledgeable the kids were, and I'm sure that all the little ones that are in the shelter appreciate all the hard work that the staff put in. 

On Saturday 25th Yeats, Monique and myself met amazing brave ladies at "The House" - Intombi Shelter in Berea, Johannesburg. INTOMBI SHELTER which was established in 1995 provides a temporary home for homeless girls under the age of 19, offering them safety and care for a few months, while allowing social welfare systems prepare them for future referral, or preferably, reintegration into their families. A stone's throw from Hillbrow, the sounds and sights of this neighbourhood are nothing like the serenity of the farm, or quiet of most of the schools Yeasts has visited. Despite the challenging environment, Yeats was his awesome self, and showed that even though he is still a youngster, he has got the "stuff" that makes a cheetah a legendary ambassador. Some of the girls were so impressed by how gorgeous he was, they actually wanted to give him a nice big hug :-)

If you would like to make it possible for us to visit more institutions like these, or schools that can't cover our expenses please contact me to find out how to make donations towards these visits. Alternatively, please feel free to contact the amazing staff at either of these shelters to find out how you can help these amazing kids.

fundraising@kidshaven.co.za

Benoni Shelter Phone

+27 (0)11 421 4222