About
A Team of Committed Volunteers
HOW DO WE OPERATE?
The money we raise goes to established organisations who have the infrastructure to administer and monitor the proper use of the funds from KidZAid and the heart and love to get it to those who, through no fault or action of their own, are helpless victims on the fringes of society.
We provide the funds so that the caregivers can provide the food and support directly to the children.
KidZAid is a not-for-profit non governmental organisation, registered to raise funds for the vulnerable.
WHERE DO WE SOURCE OUR FUNDING?
Our budget for donations is presently (2022) about of R200,000 pa. Our funds come from three main sources; typically split as follows:
- Corporate donors: 40%
- Fundraising: 15%
- Regular amounts from individuals and institutions: 20%
As a registered Public Benefit Organisation, KidZAid issues 18A Tax receipts and donors in South Africa can claim tax rebates on these amounts.
How We Use Our Funding
FEEDING
A generous portion of our funding is used for feeding the children at our beneficiaries, ensuring that they have a full, nutritious meal to keep them nourished and full so that they are able to learn and play properly.
SHELTER
We believe that shelter and a secure environment are not only basic rights but are key in helping children feel safe. We have donated facilities such as a wendy house, jungle gym and Jojo tanks to better aid our beneficiaries and improve their infrastructure.
EDUCATION
These children are the future generation of South Africa. They deserve access to proper schooling and educational resources.
NURTURING
We are committed to making sure the children at our beneficiaries feel loved and looked after. Their emotional health is prioritised as much as their feeding and environment.
Trustees and Committee
Helen Lee
Founder and Trustee
KidZAid was founded in 2004 as my Christian response to the AIDS pandemic that was leaving countless children orphans.
Having taken early retirement in 1997, I started my own business, selling educational multimedia to schools and libraries throughout South Africa. I retired in 2008.
I served on the eldership of Kloof Methodist Church, was appointed District President of the Women’s Auxiliary in 2012/13 and developed KidZAid as an outreach to creches in the Upper Highway.
Flip van der Merwe
Committee and Treasurer
I am the treasurer of KidZAid Trust and an accountant with over 40 years’ experience. I am a co-owner and financial manager of an industrial valve company.
The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife, two special sons and two very precious grandchildren.
At KidZAid, our mission is to support, educate and uplift children through providing the necessary skills and resources and I am blessed to be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, guided by Christian values.
Thank you for visiting our website. Together, we can bring hope and change to the lives of those who need it most. I invite you to explore how you can get involved and join us on this journey!
Mary-Ann
Pringle-Steiner
Committee and Chair
Educated by Dominicans, I studied at the University of Natal (BA French) and in Paris. My career included working at the Alliance Francaise, Durban, before migrating to Joburg, and stints with a French merchant bank, the SA Foreign Trade Organisation and qualifying as a Sworn Translator. The East Coast then beckoned and I returned “home”.
I was involved with community outreach, facilitated Alpha courses and managed a support group. In 2021 I was invited to chair KidZAid. The KidZAid children remain a constant motivation and inspiration.
“We can do no great things. Only small things, with great love” – Mother Theresa
Manfred Meyer
Trustee
I joined KidZAid as a trustee in 2024. I am a Chartered Accountant and have worked for multi-national corporations in manufacturing industries and in the consumer goods industry.
For several years, I was actively involved in an AIDS Ministry in Claremont and KwaDabeka.
I am married, have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, walking and golf.
I believe in developing young children, providing for their care and giving them opportunities to enable them to grow into healthy adults, both mentally and physically.
Peter Bode
Trustee
I joined KidZAid as a Trustee in April 2024. I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and a director of Multi-National Companies such as Philips, Smith & Nephew and SAB.
I am actively involved in a number Trusts/NGO’s/PBO’s, Wildlands Conservation Trust being the major one.
In my spare time, I keep active by cycling, walking, playing golf and numerous visits to the many natural wonders of South Africa.
Helen Chandler
Committee
I was born in Durban, did my tertiary education at the University of Natal and worked in P.R. at Dunlop. I then married Gavin, a farmer in Melmoth, and had a family.
As a Christian, I worked to uplift rural families, building homes and installing water tanks at the height of the Aids pandemic. I studied further to obtain my BED degree. I wrote weekly for the Zululand Observer, taught swimming and ran a Pre-school at home .
Currently I visit the elderly and belong to the KMC WA which supports some of the needs of the KidZAid creches.
Gaynor King
Committee
II’m a retired book keeper and started my career at Cadburys SA, Port Elizabeth. After moving to Joburg, I continued working until my children were born.
We moved to Kloof in 1994, joined Kloof Methodist Church and got involved in outreach, particularly with the marginalised, orphans and vulnerable children, as well as mentally impaired young adults.
At KMC, I’ve held various positions of service such as society steward / an elder and served on the executive for a few years. I currently serve on the Careways KZN Board.
I have also been on school and sporting committees.
Cecily White
Trustee
I am qualified in English/Psychology through UNISA and I have a Diploma in ECD Education (Edgewood).
I am a retired teacher who is passionate about developing good practice in ECD schools and centres, focusing on “learning through play”.
I have over 40 years experience working with children and teachers from Grade 0000 to Grade R. I managed schools as a principal and developed ECD programmes. I have over 10years experience in lecturing students for an ECD qualification .
I am currently involved in the support and mentorship of teachers, and work in both established schools and with disadvantaged communities.
My favourite people in the world are ‘little people’!