Capitec’s Digital Communications team helped create a nourishing garden for the children at Rainbow of Hope
International Volunteering Day, on 5 December, celebrates the work of volunteers and encourages us to give back to our communities. This year, the Digital Communications team volunteered at Rainbow of Hope. At Capitec, we give employees three paid volunteer days each year to support causes they’re passionate about. On this International Volunteer Day, we celebrate our team’s involvement and the collective power of all volunteers who make the world a better place. This is our story.
Our day began with a simple but meaningful task: Gardening. The team rolled up their sleeves and got to work. We filled containers with rich soil, carefully planted fruit trees, flowers, vegetables, and herbs, and made sure everything was well-watered.
After finishing our work, we enjoyed a lunch of boerie rolls, chips, and salad with the kids and team at Rainbow of Hope, prepared by their excellent chef.
Rainbow of Hope was founded in 2007 by Alison Alexander. Driven by her passion for community service and heart for children, she sought to create a safe, nurturing space for children in need.
Alison's vision for Rainbow of Hope began after discovering a home on the brink of closing. After visiting the space, Allison saw its potential and knew she could make a difference there. And so, Rainbow of Hope was officially established with a simple yet powerful mission: To create a home where children could feel loved, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into a full-fledged children’s home that now provides a place to live and a path forward for the young people it serves.
In 2023, Rainbow of Hope acquired a new home for their Assisted Independent Living programme, which supports young adults over 18. The concept behind the programme is simple yet profound. For many young people who leave the foster care system at the age of 18, life can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, they’re expected to be adults without support or guidance. Rainbow of Hope is changing that by offering a bridge for young adults to learn how to live independently. To qualify, participants must work or study and contribute a portion of their salary toward savings and the house's upkeep.
Zoe, a member of Rainbow of Hope, shared her journey with us. Adopted by Alison when she was just two weeks old, Zoe has been part of the Rainbow of Hope family long before it was officially established. Growing up alongside her two siblings, Zoe always felt the impact of Alison's passion for helping others.
Today, she is actively involved in the Assisted Independent Living programme. She hopes to study project management to make an even more significant impact in her community and at Rainbow of Hope.
Zoe also helps manage the Treasure Trove, Rainbow of Hope’s second-hand shop. The money raised through the sale of donated goods helps support the day-to-day operations and essential intangibles.
As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, we encourage you to think about how you can give back to your community. Whether through donating your time, resources, or skills, there’s always a way to contribute.
Here’s how you can get involved at Rainbow of Hope:
1. Donate
Rainbow of Hope relies on donations to fund their programmes and support the children in their care. Financial donations help provide essential services, from education to housing. You can also donate goods by dropping them off at the Treasure Trove shop on Mondays between 9am – 5pm.
2. Volunteer
Rainbow of Hope has always been supported by volunteers who offer their time, skills, and love. Volunteer opportunities for 2024 are filled, but applications will reopen in 2025.
3. Do-It Days
If you’re looking for a hands-on way to help, Do-It Days are perfect for companies, families, or groups of friends. These days focus on maintenance and improvement projects at Rainbow of Hope.
For 2024, they need help with:
See their full needs list.
4. Become a host parent
Host parents give the children at Rainbow of Hope the chance to experience life in a normal home setting. They spend one weekend a month with a host family, receiving one-on-one attention and new experiences. It’s also a great way to give the staff, especially the house mother, a much-needed break.
If you’d like to become a Host Parent, you can start the application process by attending one of Rainbow of Hope’s upcoming volunteer workshops.
For more information on how to help, visit the Rainbow of Hope website.
