Mug and Tree Nursery School – JC Crafford Photo and Video
May 3, 2013 My Diary 0
This story has now been removed. This was a testament of how much people in the world still cared. Ons 3 May I’ve put this blogpost and photos up and asked people like you to help this nursery school. Up to this morning just over 52 000 people read the blogpost and many many people reached out and helped these little kids. Estelle and Trudie phoned me on Monday to ask me to please take down this post as they feel they have now received enough. They felt that it would not be fair to take anything more as they got a lot of help and that there is now other people who is more needy who deserve the help they got.
These two ladies really worked very very hard during this period. At the height of this they got between 700-1000 calls per day of people offering help. Estelle and Trudie later on couldn’t answer all the calls and emails that came in, it was just humanly impossible. Remember it’s only the two of them…and they still had to do all the normal work they use to do as well as talk to the 100’s of people that pitched up at Mug and Tree every day to offer help and deliver goods.
People donated stuff from all over the world.
From my side a big thank you to everybody for your generosity and kindness. This was really an eyeopener for me of how much good people there still are out there.
I will try my best to find another worthy cause that we can assist.
JC Crafford.com is Photographers and videographers, we stay in Pretoria.
JC Crafford Photography, Mug and tree Nursery School
Hi everybody...over a 100 people had read this blog post in the first two hours since I posted it...a lot of help has already started coming in...please keep on sharing this post on facebook, Google+ and per email to your friends
:-( help hulle asb!!
Hey jule ek en my werks mense was daar. Dis baie baie hardseer om daai kinders so hardseer te sien. Maar weet jule ons mense kan hule gaan help om net hule te wys dat daar n beter lewe daar byte is en dat daar n JESUS is wat hule lief het en dat daar ander mense is wat hule kan lief he ook en hule te help kom ons mense help om daai kinders n beter lewe te kan he. Asb daai kinders smag na liefde.
susan de hart
Ek wil graag help
May I have ur adress so I can have a visit at ur residence, I'm from christian faith and worship centre
Hi there. Thanks a lot. Please contact Trudie direct. Her number is in the article
Thanks for all the people that care that have contacted Mugg and Tree already
Sal graag wil help. Hoeveel dogters en seuns? Ek soek ouderdom informative etc asb. Ook waar ek goed ere kan pos. ek bly in Somerset Wes maar sien kans om goed ere te pos. hierdie pragtig e kinders is almal in my hart. Groete Helene
Baie dankie Helene. Kontak asb vir Trudie direk. Haar selnommer is in die artikel
Wow !!! This is really bad too see. As we have food every day and some only have weekdays. When i look at those faces it cuts through my heart. What is addres?
Kom ons maak dit ons doel om 100 mense te kry wat elk net R250.00 pm kan gee - R25 000.00 pm kan hierdie kinderjies se lewe vir altyd verander.
Johan, Trudie, Estelle .... Living proof van God's Engele !!! Dankie vir die post en die foto's .... Julle het die Engel in so baie van ons wakker gemaak. Dis 24 uur nadat ek die eerste keer van julle bestaan geweet het (en ek woon net anderkant v d berg in Roodepoort) - ek het genetwerk en gevra en gepleit. Dankie Here dat daar nog mense met harte op hierdie aarde rondloop! Ons het soveel ontvang - Estelle, Trudie ... Hier kom groot dinge !!!!
Hi everybody...at 15:53 Sunday afternoon 1403 people have already read this blog post...this is REALLY incredible. Remember, the more people we email this to the more people will read it and help these kids. Please email this to everybody you know and share it on your facebook wall. Thanks again for caring.
Hi everybody...at 15:53 Sunday afternoon 1403 people have already read this blog post...this is REALLY incredible. (It's only been up for not even two days yet. Remember, the more people we email this link to the more people will read it and help these kids. Please email this to everybody you know and share it on your facebook wall. Thanks again for caring.
Sjoe dis soooo hardseer.kom julle kom ons almal wat hier lees gee R50 of R100 p.m enige iets kan daai mensies help!!!! Asb julle kom ons maak n verskil!!!!! Liewe Jesus sal elkeen seen vir dit wat hy doen!!!!
Just thought I would like to say that our church AFM church in noordheuwel is running a campaign 40 Days of community and just last night this project come to our attention and Pastor Greg will be going out there this week to analise and see what we as a church can do. We have people in the building trade, and many other things. We are sooooo excited to get involved. God bless you for bringing this situation to the attention to so many.
Winnie du Preez
My hart gaan uit na hiedie kosbare mensies. Ek bid die Here se seen oor elkeen wat hulle hande,beursies en tyd beskikbaar stel om hierdie kosbare mensies se lewens te verryk. Armoede is een van ons grootste vyande in die tyd waarin ons leef!
Hierdie goed breek die klein hartjie in my 145kg groot liggaam. Ek stuur dit uit na my uitgebreide netwerk en hoop op die beste. Mens hoef gewoonlik nooit ver te soek om die nood rondom jou raak te sien nie. Meeste van ons is net blind daarvoor - want dis gerieflik om siende blind en horende doof te wees!
Baie dankie Chopper
Please let us know where and how we can get involved to help. Adress for postage, age of children and maybe wishlists.
Hi janine. You can contact Trudie on: 082 657 6211 or Estelle on 072 456 0669. You can also e mail Trudie at trudienaude.mugtree@gmail.com. Thanks again
Dit is heavy sad :(
Daar is ni genoeg woorde om te beskryf hoe ek geraak was deur die artikel en fotos nie! Ek self het 2 kids en trek ook so effens swaar maar my kids het soveel meer as wat hulle het! Sal defnitief n bydrae maak! Hoe geseend is julle nie deur ons Vader met harte van Goud!! Ek se baie dankie vir wat julle doen en wat julle vir dai klein mensies beteken AMAZING!
Kom ons almal help mense,enige ietsie sal waardeur word.iests klein van ons,kan groot vir hulle beteken.die Here seen julle almal.
Sad, sad very sad. Why does the Welfare spilt the little sisters shows how much they care
Trudie I did send an email please reply will really help and will find people to help you
Hi dit was vir my bja bja hardseer ek kanie klein kinders sien sukel nie ek sal jule graag wil help
Hi ek en my kollega van PhotoJeniC fotografie (Vaaldriehoek) sal ook graag wil help. Wat het julle nodig?
Ja dis hartseer.maar wat van die ouers wat wel in staat is om iets te doen.sal vi trudie bietjie bel en vra waar ek kan help
carolle -bedfordview Lions Club
This is so sad, we will be in touch to see how we can assist and we will forward this on to the other lions for their assistance.
Ek is 23 en kom van Odendaalsrus in die Vrystaat af.. Sulke tipe goed is baie na aan my hart omdat ek die ondervinding van dit in my verlede dra.. Ek sal enige iets gee en doen om te help,en die mense wat ek ken sal ook met n goeie hart by dra.. ASB julle,laat my toe om julle te help.. Email my as daar enige iets is,ek wil bitter graag persoonlik betrokke raak by hierdie produk
Ek sal ook n bydrae wil maak ek het self nie altyd baie nie maar die Here is goed v my. Dit breek my hart om te weet hierdie kinders het nie eers warm klere nie en dit begin nou baie koud raak. Trudie almal v julle mag God julle ryklik seen v wat julle doen met die bietjie wat julle het.
I would like to get involved and help in whatever way possible... Fund raising, donations, offering my spare time to help in any way. Please let me know.
I am sitting in tears to have to see what these kids go through and I take my hat off to all the ladys that help these kids each day and the strength they have to do it! I wud love to help wherever I can, I might have a lot going on in my life but my biggest goal is to help as many ppl that need all the help they can get, I mean I have 2 of my own kids and a step child from my boyfriend and I'm only 20 years old I knw how hard life can be but I love my kids with my life and I don't regret anything! But to see how these kids have to live kills me and i want to help where I can! I will contact u guys as soon as I have a donation and will make arrangements to have it delivered. Xoxo keep strong and keep beliving in Gods promisses and just pray <3 God bless u all!
It breaks my heart reading this. My heart goes out to everyone of those kids and their families. I would really help if I can. If everyone that reads this donates R100 or even R50 to the cause it will make a huge difference. I myself cannot donate as I am in no position to help but I can help by sending this on and sending my prayers out to these families and the people that they are helping. I honestly tip my hat to you ladies that are offering your time to help them.
Wanneer jy weer wil kla, dink aan hierdie gesinne, ons eie mense! Doen wat ek kan.
I was so touched by this when I read it,it left me in tears. I truly hope they get the help that they need. God bless each one of those precious kids. Will definitely make a monthly contribution.
Ek wil graag help. Ek werk nie,en sal graag wil hulp verleen waar ek kan. Ek wil asb julle adres he,sodast ek n paar goedjies kan kom aflewer. Dankie. Duisende liefde en baie drukkies vir elke engeltjie daar!
Dankie Jackie, skakel asb vir Trudie direk, haar nommer is op die website
Ek sal een kind vat dat sy in my pler sorg is ek en my man is lief vir kinders
Hule kan my bel my email werk ni so hule kan my bel ook my nr is 0766549325
Hi daar, skakel asb vir Trudie direk, haar nommer is op die website
Ek neem hulle sommer almal aan! Ek en my gesin wil ook help. Ek is goed met goeters fix en eks baie goed met kinders! As ek twee kinders kan aanneem sal dit ook fantasties wees! Hiers my nr: 0716095267. Of my vrou(Marelieze): 0720950640. Ek is n projekbestuurder vir n siviele konstruksie maatskappy en my vrou werk vir n ontwikkelaar. Ons het 2 kinders, Alex(2) en Mone(5). Laat weet asb as ons kan kom kuier! Sal julle almal baie graag ontmoet! Groete Corne
Hi Corne. Skakel asb vir Trudie direk, haar nommer is op die website
Life is so challenging, but to have these kiddies struggle at such a young age, its just not the way it should be.
Ek weet Jesus het n AWESOME plan met elkeen van hierdie kinders se lewens! Eks sal graag wil betrokke raak,in enige moontlike manier,stuur asb vir my enige verdere detail!
Ons is Jesus se instrumente om hierdie kindertjies te help. Moenie uitstel nie - doen NOU iets. Ons is so geseend met soveel, hierdie e-pos is met 'n doel na jou foon gestuur. Dankie v wat jy ookal gaan doen. God slaap nie.
O my Vader ek sit in trane hier hoekom is die lewe so onregverdig die kindertjies verdien nie om so swaar te kry nie. mag onse Groot Vader hulle genadig wees. en mag hy al die mense wat graag wil help net seen. baie liefde en soentjie vir elke een van daai kindertjies en ek sal vir trudie skakel.
Tried to make a donation to account as listed above but bank verification came back with Branch number incorrect for beneficiary account. Please advise correct banking details.
hi there, the branch code is definitely correct, i made a payment to it myself yesterday. Sometimes the bank require an extra 0 or something like that because the branch code must be a certain length.
Please forward me address details. So I can send some things to help
Hi there, thanks a lot, please contact trudie directly
Ek help graag waar ek kan, e-pos my asb
Hi Christo, epos asb vir Trudie direk, haar epos adres is in die blog post
Hi everybody, I contacted Trudie yesterday, and this was her feedback. I asked her what they needed. Myself and a few friends are definitely getting involved. Maybe you guys can also help, with blankets, clothes etc.
"Baie dankie dat jy gewillig is om te help. Ek neem met graagte daardie kleertjies en speelgoed van jou hande. Ek het komberse nodig – van die kindertjies slaap op die grond en dit gaan ‘n koue winter wees.
Op JC se blog is daar bank besonderhede as jy ‘n inbetaling wil maak. Ons moet begin geld wegsit vir skoolklere en skryf behoeftes vir volgende jaar. Die nood is groot en ons help waar ons kan. Ons het baie beloftes vir kossies ontvang en as dit begin inkom sal ons orals kan help. Baie baie dankie weereens"
Ek huil so ek kani op hou ni ht almal m bbm gese om op m fb te gan lees ek wil nt se di Here seen elkeen van jule wt so help ek bly in Kriel en sal als moontlik doen om te help
Ek sit letterlik en tjank my oe uit my kop uit hier waar ek voor my rekenaar sit.ek wil bitter graag persoonlik betrokke raak.Die Here het dit in my hart gesit dat ek moet help om daai huis reg te maak.Mag ons Vader almal wat bydrae tot die projek ryklik seen.
OUR GOD IS A MIRICLE WORKING GOD!
Was very sad to see this but this is realty this is the world we live in. We are so busy the things in our lives we don't give the needy or less privelaged people a thought this is a real wake call. We can all do something even the smallest little thing is worth a million. Will be doing my part too. God bless all and may this message go out to all may Gods angels carry this far and wide. Thank you to all that do this for no money just love this can never be repaid you guys are great with a blessed heart of gold may God bless u and keep u safe for these kidz they are just beautiful
Ek het trudie n epos gestuur en nog geen terug voering so ver wil net weet of iemand my die address kan epos van die nursery. chanteldurandt@webmail.co.za
Ek't nou my oogies rooi gehuil :(
en sukkel om nou op te hou met huil, dit is regtig baie baie sad. My hart gaan uit na al die kindertjies en ek bid dat die Heer elkeen van hulle met beskermde Engele bewaar. Daar is soveel plekkies soos Mug and Tree Nursery, maar om hul gesigies in die phototjies te sien het my hart in duisend stukkies gebreek....
waar kan ons die addres kry as ons Mug and Tree wil besoek en donasies wil gee?
Ek het nie veel in my lewe nie en om ander menSe te help kos niks. Dis mense net soos ons is as daar enage iets is wat ek kan doen om te help laat weet. Sal baie graag betrokke wil raak.
I struggle to bring up my grandchild alone, and often feel so sad for him and inadequate...but this has put things in a better perspective for me and I will keep you all, carers, children and their families, in my prayers. With love.
I have sent your e-mail onto our marketing team, I have asked them to cosider making a monthly donation to the school. We will know after their next meeting, let's hold thumbs. Kind regards, Dalida.
Please inbox me with what needs there are besides food lets see what I can help with
Hi ek sal kyk wat ek v jul kan bymekaar maak klere en sulKe gud eks jammer ekt ongelukkig ni n kar om di goedjies by jul t kry nie sal dt waardEer as iemand dt by my kan km haal asb
Neels & Hanna du Preez
Dit is hartverskeurend! Ons wil ook help. Waarnatoe kan ons klere ens stuur.Dankie vir wat jul sover doen. Jul sal geseen word.
Dit is so hartseer om te sien hoe ons mensdom kinders verwaarloos. Dankie aan die mense wat hul onder hul vleuls geneem het en na hul omsien. As dit ABBA Vader se wil is sal ons een van die dogtertjies wil aanneem. Ons bid nog oor die saak en wag nog vir andwoord by ABBA Vader. Ek glo en vertrou dat die HeiligeGees oor elke kindjie Waak en hul beskerm. Blessings
Ek het n stoot waentjie, n kot, kar stoeltjies, n loopring en baie goedjies wat rondstaan. ek stel voor ons maak die helpende hand van solidariteit betrokke. Weet julle of hulle al daar om hulp aangeklop het. Hulle is fantasties. Ek is n lid nou al vir jare van die vakbond en hulle is regtig die sout werd.hulle gee om vir die mense ... skakel hulle. sou julle hulle kontak besonderhede soek, my epos is voorsien, stuur net n epos en ek stuur dit graag aan.
Dit breek my HarT so baie, :(
Ek het dogtertjie en seuns klere wat ek kan gee,ek sal ook geld inbetaal elke bietjie help.ek wil graag van die kinders in my pleegsorg vat asb kontak my 0826239030
Hi there! I saw the link today for the first time and already started asking everyone I know for clothes donations and stuff. I managed to get 2 boxes of crockery and about 10 bags of clothes so far (God is great, this was in one day)! The clothes is unfortunatly mostly adult clothes, but we are working really hard at getting clothes for the kids too. We will be coming through to drop it off on sat 18 May. I just need another week to try for clothes for the little ones. And to everybody working there, u guys are angels, thank u for your time and caring! See u guys on the 18th!
Ek is besig om n gift drive te reel vir Desember. Kontak my op janine@metalco.co.za as julle iets wil gee. Ek het klaar vir Trudi gekontak
Dit is so so hart verskeurend ek gaan kyk hoe ek kan help. Baie sterkte, soene en liefde vir elkeen daar.
Ek is in trane.... Dit is hartverskeurend!!
Eks mal oor kinders ds waarom ek onderwys gaan studeer, ek sal my bes doen om te help waar ek kan..... Ons Hemelse Vader sien elkeen van julle se harte raak en Hy seen elkeen raak wat help!!!
Hi ek werk vir n groot transport matskapy met die naam jacobs transport ek gan more by hulle hoor dat ons ook n deel by dra en help waar ons kan van my kant af gan ek ook als try om geld in tesamel ons moet onthou dai pragtige kinders moet ook grootmense word eendag en kan ni verwag hulle moet so sukel ni die Here seen elkeen van ons met kos en warm goed die winter om die draai so dai kinders wil ook in n warm bed slaap hoop om verder tekan help BID EN DIE HERE SAL HELP...
Ek lees hier en my hart is stukkend! Ek wil graag n gebed doen: Liewe Vader,ek stuur vanaand engele uit om elke een van die kinders asook die res waar van ons nie weet nie veilig te hou en hulle magies te vul! Hou hulle vas Jesus, hou hulle veilig! Die kinders is almal U kinders Here en net U aleen is groot en Almagtig! Raak elke persoon se hart wat die artiekel lees sodat saam ons almal n groot verskil in die klein mensies se lewe te maak! Asook die mense wat so mooi na hulle kyk gratis en niks terug verwag nie! God die is U engele hou U hand oor hulle ook! Vader dankie dat U ons lief het! Wees saam elke liewe een van ons!
Amen, Jesus sal sorg! Welmarie
Eks deel van n bike groep in die wes rand. Ons het n wye groep mense wat saam ons werk. Ons glo in terug gee aan die gemeentskap. Sal beslis dit opbring en kyk wat ons kan doen en hoe ons kan help. Saam kan mense 'n groot verskil maak.
Hi,as ons goedjies wil bring wat is jul adres en as ons wil pos,wat is die posadres?
hi julle mense doen wonderlike werk ons sal julle defintief help waar ons kan. dit is wonderlik om te weet dat daar mense is wat nog omgee in vandag se wereld.
Dis hartseer , eks so bly daar is nog mense wat kindertjies help en alles omsien wat hulle kan vir die kindertjies my hart gaan uit na almal in die skool sal graag wil help waar ek kan mag almal geseen word deur GOD
Hi mense dis hartseer om die stuk te lees kom mense laat almal wat kan help laat die Here hulle seen
Ai dit breek my hart, dit is hartseer, as elkeen van ons net een bydrae kan maak al is dit 'n kombers, maak ons 'n reuse enorme verskil in elke kind se lewe. Dankie vir al die engele wat alreeds hul harte oopgemaak het. Dankie Vader
Venessa van der Walt
I would like to fly up and come and visit the Nursery School first before making any commitments as have been caught a few times already. There are some cruel people out there in this world that play on others emations. Hope to get the address soon so I can arrange a flight from Cape Town.
Love and light to all that is helping in this cause
I'm sitting at work and crying. I too have 2 children to feed. Their father passed away 3 years ago. After reading this story I will never complain again and teach my kids to appreciate more. God bless u all for helping and feeding those angels. He has a very special place for u in heaven!
I will be taking some goods to Mug and Tree on this Friday if anyone have anything they would like to give I will pick up for free in Pretoria area today and tomorrow my contact number 0848332222 Thanks Philip
Ek is in die proses om vir Mug and Tree Nursery School 'n fees te reel, met die "go-ahead" en "blessings" van Trudie Naude, die stigter van die skool en sopkombuis. Ek beplan dit vir einde Julie 2013 in Krugersdorp. Ek is nog op die oomblik opsoek na 'n venue (lekker groot rugbyveld) waar ons tente/gazebos kan opslaan, stalletjies kan he en ek beoog ook om te kyk vir 'n kunstenaar/s wat vir ons kan optree en sodoende voete te lok. Wanneer ek die venue en datum vas het, sal ek meer inligting vir julle op die blog sit, so hou dit dop. Die opbrengs van die fees sal gebruik word om die huis wat hulle het, op te knap en met die ekstra geld opvoedkundige materiaal aan te skaf om sodoende die huis in 'n veilige opvoedkundige sentrum te omskep. Enige iemand wat die dag bereid is om te kom help, kan my per epos kontak.
They say cowboys dont cry but this cowboy is in tears . I have a 2 year old grand daughter and love her to bits and that is why I get up everyday and go to work to ensure that she is provided for .
I now have another reason . I will be making monthly donations to this cause - every little bit helps .
Well done Trudie, Estelle and the rest of the team, I will forward the details of this blog to as many people as I can. Please let me know what age range the kiddies fall into so we can see if we can oragnise some outfits and stationary. They now belong to all of us.
ℳᵧ oë oop gemaak en ek is altyd so ondankbaar , wow ekt amper begin huil hoop rerig die beste vir die kinders
Greg Wells-Clifton from Pay It Forward
Johan - I am happy to have met you this morning. I wanted to commit where it can be seen. This is where I am putting it.
After spending an hour with the two Ladies and conducting our Assessment, I told them that Pay It Forward, together with our Members, will help them to help others.
What a remarkable and emotional hour it was for me, and I am honored to have shared their (and your) company.
I will be in touch with Estelle again on Monday, and am busy writing the article I asked permission to write (Estelle) and will put this up on our Facebook Page later today, this evening, or in the morning, at the latest.
Greg, I salute you man. You are giving your life to causes like this, thanks for making a difference in people's lifes and thanks for getting involved with Mug and Tree
ek het soveel trane gehad,ek kon nie eers mooi lees nie. my dogter (met die grootste hart wat jy kan kry) het gehoor van die babas wat daar is, sy het dieselfde dag nog gereël vir babakleertjies,-skoentjies,-kombersies
-bottels, babasakke ens. ek gaan dit aflewer so gou ek kan.Wendy
My hart gaan uit na julle! Ek gaan beslis kyk hoe ek jul kan help. Ek het klomp ou linne en gordyne wat rondle ook. Sal jul dit kan gebruik?
Thanks to Greg from PIF for bringing this to our attention. Greg I will be in touch to see how I can help.
To Trudge and Estee. I salute you for what you and your team are doing. God bless.
Would however want to visit this facility to satisfy myself, and others, as to the authenticity of the venture before committing to further assistance.
I live in the area and available at any time.
Really don't mind to make a monthly donation, always help where I can, and will do so. Thanks
Woorde ontbreek om te beskryf wat deur my hart gaan. Sal jul boodskap versprei en sal 'n aflewering kom doen sodra als bymekaar is. Sterkte en seen aan elke hand wat in enig vorm uitreik om te help. Sal skakel om die adres te verkry.
Ons sal ok graag wil help.
With Johan's permission, here is the Link to my Organisation, on Facebook. You will be able to see the amazing outpouring of love and compassion, given with passion, by the Members of the Group, all today. I wrote an Article (mentioned in a post a little above this one), and again, with Johan's permission, I am putting it here, which will give you much information. The Pics won't appear which are mentioned in the Article, but they are all pics taken from here, with the express permission from Johan.
Friday, 10 May 2013 - Let’s learn about Mug and Tree, how it came about, what these two remarkable Ladies do, how they do it, and why.
Mug and Tree have 27 children who currently fill their day with love and laughter, tears and sadness. These children are all from the 166 homes mentioned above, where none of the parents work on a full-time basis, and receive Grants from the State for them.
Three of the children are aged 3, and the rest range from 4 to 6 years old.
They arrive in the morning, are fed, they play, they are educated at their level, and they go home again at 1.
This then makes space for another 30 who arrive for After-School care, and lunch, before they are driven home at around 4pm by Trudie.
There are a few Secondary School Learners, who arrive, embarrassed, and hungry, who are not there for After-Care, but just in the hope that they will be given a plate of food. The way that Estelle handles this is humane, and wonderful. She sees an unfamiliar face at the door, shy, not knowing if they should come in, not wanting to be further humiliated at their circumstances. Estelle recognizes the looks, and simply says to the person, quietly, ‘Kim sit heir by my, en jou kos is op die toonbank hoor.’ Translated – ‘Come and sit with me, and your food is on the Counter.’ The palpable relief she see’s on the face of a young teenager is a reward for her. The child has been left with the little dignity remaining, intact.
This is the only meal the child will have, for the day.
And then the daily Soup Kitchen. Monday to Friday, served at 1pm. They prepare, with the help of the Volunteers, an average of 200 plates per day. Members of the Community come and eat, and leave again. For them too, their only meal of the day.
4.	Where does the food come from?
They have a Supplier who donates Veg and a few other items once per week, and which for the most part, see’s them through. There are times when Trudie and Estelle are able to make up little hampers of veg. At times there is food over (prepared), and they can then send this home for the family as well. But not always.
And then Trudie, who DAILY, spends around R300 of her own money, on meat for the feeding purpose.
5.	Donations of soft-drinks and sweets
How wonderful that when this happens, the children are each given their own bottle of cold-drink. How wonderful, that many of them will uncap the bottle, take a sip, and close it tightly again. Some want to take what is left in their bottle, and share it with their family at home later.
Others are so set in their minds, so used to not having, that it is their way of making it last longer.
A simple bottle of cold-drink.
6.	Johan Crafford of JC CRAFFORD Photography
This is the man who is Facebook friends, or rather, was Facebook friends, with Estelle. Now they are just plain friends, face to face friends, and a remarkable man (this is the Authors opinion).
Johan came across what Estelle had written up on Facebook, and contacted her. Estelle asked him to come and take photographs, to assist in this way in raising awareness about Mug and Tree. Without hesitation, he said he would be there on the Monday, and was.
He was there today when I arrived. He had taken more Pics and I have asked him for a few, which he will happily provide. I also asked him if I could borrow some of the originals, and he agreed immediately, so with permission from Johan, you are seeing the Album I have put together of some of the children who daily are educated and fed at the Mug and Tree Nursery School.
Yes, people become interested, and make promises. And then Estelle and Trudie wait. And wait. And finally resign themselves to the fact that the promise was an empty one. Then they continue to do what they do, with limited resources.
8.	Promises fulfilled
This week has been a good one. Through the photographs and the article by Johan Crafford, the sharing on Social Sites, the sharing of these Shares, many people opened their hearts. People arrived this week, with food, with blankets, enough that for next week they already have enough food, meat included. And enough that they were able to send home for the families to eat as well.
They are both very grateful for that. Thank you.
9.	Commitments made
I sat with Estelle. At the table behind us, sat Trudie with two Ladies. These two Ladies committed to supplying the NEW home (more about that a little later) with PC’s and to sponsor the Internet Connection, so that the kids can do their research and homework on it, and learn Computer Skills.
FNB are going to put up an Article concerning the Nursery School on their National Website. A lovely way to raise awareness amongst, probably, millions of people who access it.
The BIG one. And this is still in the planning stage, so details are sketchy. A man who owns a Company will do their kitchen at the NEW home, as his Pay It Forward moment. More details on that at a later stage. I will discuss this with him once I visit the new premises on Monday, and then we will meet with Estelle and Trudie at the house. Thank you for that.
Another Company has just advised (so again, details at a later stage), that they will become involved. This is a property development company, so imagine the possibilities.
(How proud I am that this will be done via PIF – I just had to put that in)
10.	The Kids & the Parents – here I will speak from my perspective, based on my talks with Estelle
A treat. Looking at the bunch of kids (27 of them for Nursery), they are happy, playful, like kids should be. But is that the story of their lives? No. And this is when my stomach knotted.
The vast majority of the Parents, in fact, I would go out on a limb and state ALL of the Parents, are unemployed, many unemployable. Illiterate, bad health, alcohol and substance abuse, apparently all plays a large part. **Important to note here that this is NOT about the Parents, but that to understand the innocent young, it is best to give you a part of the background.
In many cases, the Grants are used to fund the above abuse, instead of it paying toward Electricity and Water, both on PrePaid, and food, and their only expenses in terms of retaining the RDP Homes they live in. Sadly, that is not the case, so often, the homes are without power, without water supply, and for the majority of the time, without food.
We aren’t going into that in this Article. That however, is the reality the CHILDREN suffer, daily.
Often thus, a meal at school is the ONLY meal these kids enjoy. And on Friday when school closes, and there isn’t enough to send home, they eat on Monday again. Really, they eat on Friday afternoon, then Monday morning. Could you imagine? To a very great extent, it is the fault of the Parents. I understand the emotions which will well here. I am asking all of us to keep perspective and deal with the reality these Children live, not what is right and wrong regarding the Parents. We need to assist the School, to assist the Children.
My discussion with Estelle, and where we share sentiments closely, is that it is not the Parents we are going to concern ourselves with, but the Children, working with them to break the cycle. If not now, they will grow, and the cycle will continue. It is important, that which Estelle and Trudie are doing, very important. For any of these kids to stand a chance in life, to remove themselves from the poverty and struggle, they need education. They need sustenance. They need love. My PERSONAL opinion is that many (and this was not discussed) Parents in situations such as this keep kids around because there is the meager Grant of R290 per Month. It’s something. Without the kids, there would be nothing.
And there are a few allegations (and signs) of abuse. Thankfully, these are not ignored. They are dealt with. Another part I won’t go into detail about here. Thank you to Estelle and Trudie for not turning a blind eye to this.
11.	The NEW house
An anonymous Donor turned over a House to Mug and Tree. This house has been put into a Trust, for this and the next and the next generation. Work is underway. I was meant to visit the house after seeing Estelle and Trudie. I drove home. I had had enough.
I will go and see this house on Monday. So that I better understand how far the work is, what work is being done, what is needed, and how we best can become involved.
We have an offer, which I mentioned to Estelle this morning, causing a great flow of tears. A kitchen, at no cost. How awesome is that? This man, a Company owner, I will meet once I have been to the house. Here I have to thank my Heidi, for passing on the Info to a Colleague. The Colleague passed it on to her husband, the man in question. Thank you to N as well for caring enough, and to your husband, for being touched by this, and making the offer.
And then another offer which came in when I arrived home, for other work, by a Property Developer based in Sandton. I don’t know what yet, as they don’t know, and won’t, until I have visited the house.
And then we will get together, and through PIF, the help needed, will be given.
This House will then belong to Mug and Tree (within the confines of the Trust), and can accommodate up to 80 kids.
An exciting time lies ahead, and they are ready to move, and will, as soon as things are functional at the House.
I will update on this as soon as possible.
12.	The needs – please see where YOU are able to assist PIF to assist Mug and Tree
a.	Computer needs have been provided (verbally now, and I believe the commitment will be kept to. We still need to clarify the extent of the offer, in terms of internet connectivity, Website hosting and so on).
b.	All Stationery for 2013 has been provided, and they really are okay. For 2014, we will need, for up to 80 kids. Writing materials, books, to prepare the young for Grade R. The best time to begin is NOW. The school agrees with me on that.
c.	Educational toys, age specific. A great need.
d.	A fridge and a freezer. They have one of each, donated, but really, both are on their way to greener pastures. They have served their time. In fact, I think they had served their time when received. However, they were gratefully received, and have semi-served their purpose. It is time for new. These are NOT luxury items, but absolute necessities.
e.	In terms of desks, chairs……… we will wait, again, until I have been to the House, and together with Estelle and Trudie, can assess the availability of space for these.
f.	They have been promised a Lounge Suite, which will be recovered. I am hoping this will not fall under Point 7 above. But it has been agreed that we will wait until we know, probably within a week.
g.	Clothes – for the ages mentioned above – a serious need. In terms of the After Care kids, and even for the Parents – who really have almost zero, I will come back to you a little later about.
h.	BLANKETS / DUVETS – Please folks. They did receive, during this week, yet not enough.
i.	FOOD – and the best here is frozen and other goods with a shelf life. As I mentioned, they do get veg from a Supplier, donated, on a weekly basis. So things like Pasta, Rice, Maize, canned goods, meat and chicken, and FISH, is wonderful.
j.	Money – always needed. For this though, please see their banking details in the original Post about the School, and deal with them directly.
On Points g through I – please note that Estelle and I had a good conversation. She believes firmly in not hoarding excess. I will get to this later in this Article.
PIF will co-ordinate the above, so please work through us. Of course, if you wish to contact them directly that is your prerogative, and we thank you for anything you are willing to do for them.
The reason for our asking the above, is because we see a long-term association with the School.
13.	Adopt A Child
This is a wonderful initiative, and PIF and Kim Scagell Pearce have decided to jointly adopt just one of the current 27. This will be the first Adoptee. How do we choose? I have left that to Kim. And a decision has been made. Once I have spoken to Estelle and Celeste, I will let you know who the very fortunate Child is.
The Fee’s for the school are set at R500 per Child. This is theory. It doesn’t happen. It can’t. The Parents have no Income. (There are two children who are paid for monthly, but this is a Mother who believes in the School, and took her two Children out of where they were, and placed them with Mug and Tree. The total Income thus from Fee’s, is R1 000 per Month).
You adopt a specific child for a year (and this can continue). You don’t get to take the kid home. You adopt them in terms of being the Donor of R500 per Month for a specific Child’s Fee’s. Let’s call the Child Leonel. Each month, you pay Leonel’s Fee’s.
One month, or every month, you want Leonel to have something extra, for herself. You advise Celeste le Roux (who runs this initiative for the School) that you are transferring an additional R250 for example. And you tell her you want the kid to have a jersey and a pair of shoes. This is then bought and you are sent the proof of purchase.
It really is that simple. None of the children have been ‘adopted’ to date.
We plan to change that. (In fact, while writing this Article, it happened, at 03h21. See at bottom of Article under 14…..)
14.	My personal observations, questions, hopes and dreams, and just things………..
I asked Johan (JC), of Crafford Photography, for permission to borrow photographs he had taken. He said with pleasure. Please note that the Pics are all real, of the kids at the school currently, and are very recent. These were Pics already published by Johan. The new ones, he will let me have.
Johan sat with Estelle and I for some of the time, and decided he wanted to do an impromptu ‘interview’ with me on video, which turned into a ‘non-interview’, with me standing next to Estelle and giving him a brief overview of PIF, and how we heard of the Nursery School, finishing with what our intentions are. This video will be edited, then placed on his Website and provided to us for use on ours and on Facebook.
I spoke to Estelle about the concept of Pay It Forward, as I do with most people I come in contact with. She agreed, wholeheartedly, that excess should be passed on to the next. (In line with this, Mug and Tree, as I see it, will be the first such facility PIF will deal with, but not the last. We all know that this is the tip of the Iceberg).
Estelle is a qualified school teacher, and has taught for many years. So the Education these kids are receiving is quality. Besides this, she is not far from completing, through UNISA, her ‘on hold’ Degree to qualify as a Social Worker. I tell you this so that you know that these kids are receiving the best, yet with very very limited resources. How very fortunate the Community is to have Estelle and Trudie caring about them.
You may have noticed I don’t know as much about Trudie as I do about Estelle. The only reason for that is that, while we were talking, somebody had to take care of everything else going on at the School, and believe me, there was a hive of activity. People coming in and leaving, packing………… Aaaah, the packing.
Remember, right at the beginning of this Article, I spoke about my confusion on arrival, and saw goods being carried OUT of the centre? Loads of goods. Black bags, food, and numerous other things. Sadly, although they pay Rent and Water and Lights for the use of the Hall, EVERY Friday this is what they do. The Hall is in use over weekends. So, Friday afternoons, when they finish, they load EVERYTHING up, and store it wherever they are able to. Monday mornings very early, they collect EVERYTHING, and deliver to the Hall to prepare for the week. I was ashamed for my thoughts.
Friday 10 May 2013 was slightly different. They needed to vacate at Midday, due to a Function. So, no After Care, no Soup Kitchen, thus no meals for anybody on Friday afternoon, and this is why they were packing when I arrived.
With all of this, the good, the sad, the circumstances, I met two positive, caring Ladies today, who I would be proud to be associated with.
I gave them my word, that PIF would be there. Hugs exchanged, I finally left, sad yet exhilarated, thankful for what I have and saddened that ANYBODY ‘exists’ this way.
Please help Pay It Forward to change, not the lives of the Parents, but the lives of the Children. Help us to help Estelle and Trudie to break the vicious cycle, which WILL continue through this generation, and the next, if we don’t.
Thank you for caring. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
We look forward to your being a vital part of this journey with Mug and Tree.
On the Adopt A Child initiative, to let you know, each child was Sponsored today, until the end of this year.
That's unbelievable Greg, thanks for all your hard work my friend. You are ReallY paying it forward. The deeds you do know will still be visible in this country for years to come. Thanks
hey ek sal my kerk en vriende, kollegas en vriende deur die werld vra om te help so kan dit nie meer aan gaan nie. Eks self n juffrou werk by n kleuter skool. Ek weet hoe daai kinders voel soel liefde, kos ens ek sal bietjie vir die ouers vra om hand by te sit as moontlik. Mag die hemelse varder ons seen veral die kinders. Hou aan bid en glo
Hi JC, Thanks for the post, its good that you got involved so these types of things can be brought forward. While I will be forwarding this around to friends and family to obtain more assistance I think it would be a good idea to also reach out to organisations like Gift of the Givers, Dischem Foundation and a few radio stations like 702 etc, every little will help and once out in the media more good can come of it. All the best. Thanks. Z
I have never seen so many beautiful kids in one place! If they were given one thing, it was richness of beautiful genes! They could be models! So inspired to read about the help pouring in - keep it going :)
Ek is self a enkel ma met net n toelaag van di staat maar ek sal ky waar ek kan help met klere en wat ek kan
GRYP MENS AAN DIE HART! DIT IS ONS KINDERS HERE, LAAT ONS NIE TERUGHOU NIE MAAR LAAT U GEES DEUR ONS WERK DAT ONS NIE SAL OPHOU GEE NIE. AMEN. EK HET DIE E.POS RONDGESTUUR EN GAAN BESLIS GRAWE EN KYK WAT EK OOK KAN GEE. EK HET OOK AL BELOFTES VAN MENSE WAT KLEERTJIES, ENS. SAL GEE. MAG DIE HERE ELKE EEN SëEN WAT HUL LIEFDEVOLLE DIENSTE GRATIS AANBIED OM DIE OUTJIES OP TE PAS EN VERSORG BY DIE SKOOL. OOK ELKE EEN WAT GEE - HOE MIN OF HOE BAIE OOKAL. DIE HERE SIEN DIT RAAK EN JOU KROON EN BLESSING SAL JY VAN HOM AF KRY.
AI, DIT GRYP MY AAN DIE HART, EN MAAK SOOO SEER! HERE DIT IS U KINDERTJIES DAARDIE WAT KOUD EN HONGER HET VADER. WERK MET U GEES IN ONS HARTE DAT ONS NOOIT SAL OPHOU GEE NIE. AMEN.
EK HET DIE E.POS GESIRKULEER EN HET REEDS BELOFTES VAN SKENKINGS WAT EK SAL INHANDIG. EK GAAN SELF OOK KRAP EN KYK WAT DAAR IS WAT HIERDIE OUMA KAN GEE. MAG DIE HERE ELKE EEN WAT GRATIS BY HIERDIE SKOOL WERK UITERMATE SEëN. OOK ELKEEN WAT GEE - HOE BAIE OF HOE MIN OOKAL. WEET DIE HERE SIEN DIT RAAK EN JY SAL DEUR HOM GESEëN WORD. EN EENDAG WAG DAAR OOK 'N KROON OP JOU!
Much Respect to all involved, its people like you ladies who make a difference in this world...
They can look to join the Vodacom Change the World programme for 2014 - http://www.vodacom.com/com/aboutus/foundationsouth. (They need a volunteer and a foundation) Vodacom will then pay the salary of the volunteer for a year and the charity gets a some income as well.
MTN/CellC also have foundations helping NPO/foundations or maybe send in an application to start A ICT centre with basic adult education programme for litteracy and numeracy.
Maybe you can also look at the following programme for the adults for them to generate income Clothes to Cash Exchange, www.c2cX.co.za email jesse@c2cx.co.za.
Will definately collect and drop stuff off in the near future.
I read this all the way from Angola where my Wife in South Africa forwarded it to me. It was heart wrenching. My wife is going to go past to see what assistance we can provide...
Ek het nie baie nie, maar ek wil graag help met enige iets wat ek kan.
My seunjie het baie "ou" klere maar ek moet by se dat dit nie in baie goeie kondisie is nie ek wou dit weggooi, wil julle dit he?
Ek het ook boeke wat ek julle kan gee wat julle kan verkoop?
Wat dink julle van 'n paar hoenders om aan te hou, vir die pret en die eiers?
Ek sal die hoenders gee en die huise sal my man maak?
Ek sal aan nog dink en in kontak bly,
baie liefde vir die kinders en die AWESOME mense wat vir hulle sorg in die Creche!!!!
Hi, I work at the Gateway Magazine. We want to publish this story in our book that will be distributed in Brits and Hartbeespoort. We will have to make it a bit shorter. I don't know if you would like to write something that is up to date. I think this story will stand out because we only have advertisements and one funny story. no other editorials. Please come back to me soon, I would use your photos as well and put the blog address on so that people can read more. Please come back to me as soon as possible. This is a great thing you have done!
Your story touched us and brought tears to our eyes. Thank you to the many people who have such goodness in their hearts and that are willing to help. We will organise a collection of toys, clothes, blankets and non-perishables and bring them to you in a couple of weeks in June. We would also like to come help out for a day if you will have us. Let us know where to find you.
Lisa and The Essential Day Spa
Leilani de Bod
Dit is absoluut hartverskeurend om te sien, die ou gesiggies. Hierdie kindertjies het nie gevra om hier te wees nie, maar weens omstandighede is hul waar hul is. Ons as buitestaanders kan nie toelaat dat hulle in n spiraal verval van armoede nie. Dit is ons plig om as ons van so iets hoor darem te help met wat ons kan. Kos, klere, liefde en geleerdheid dis al wat kinders nodig het om te kan uitstyg bo omstandighede.
God bless aan almal wat help ek ga nou dadelik donasie maak
WOW!!! This had me in tears!!!
Pray a mighty blessing over this school and that God will keep providing. Thank you for doing so much for them already, for you willing heart to help these kids!!
Will you please send me a contact number/address?
Madelyn Deacon (Sasolburg)
We will definitely be getting a collection if goodies going and will contact the school next week to organize a drop off! Much love, Bev
Dankie dat julle so oop is om die Here se hande te wees op die aarde en mag julle ryklik geseen word. Excello Groep
Ek is tot alles in staat deur God wat my krag gee - Ek sal help!
This school was brought to my attention through one of my scouters in Greenside. As 1st Rosebank we have decided to make an appeal to all our parents, scouters, scouts & cubs to make any contribution in any way as this falls into one of our basic values " Helping others ". We will be bring through items shortly once we have made contact with the school & got all the paper work in place.
I'm not even sure how i came across your post but this is heart breaking...all those sweet dear little faces.My bin bags with clothing for these kiddies are ready, However i couldn't just leave it at that and i have emailed everyone on my address book so we can really give bigger.
Also there is a fantastic college in Melville called the Professional Child Care College im trying to see about sponsorships so that someone or a business can pay for Alicia Jansen van Vuuren studies.
Ek was baie geraak deur hierdie kindertjies en meestal deur die wat so omgee om verniet vir hulle skool te gee en na hulle om te sien. Ek het 'n donasie van R300 gemaak en hoop daai druppel kan die emmer help volmaak.
I am pleased to inform you that Vesco Community Enterprises, IFM 102.2 Radio, and the SAPS of Vanderbijlpark will be transporting 2 trucks containing clothing, food and furniture donations to them on Friday, 24 May 2013. We will also be visiting them on a regular basis to try and assist where we can :-) We are also wrapping gifts for the kids as I think some of them as never had the joy of opening a wrapped present....It is really sad!!
Greetings from Haenertsburg
We are planning an event in Haenertsburg. You are blessed! We will be in touch! Louise
Shoe....ek het ne woorde nie...
Ek gaan dit nou na almal stuur en op Facebook plaas!
I would like to thank all of the donations that I received from the good parents of Rivonia Primaary. All donations were collected by Trudie yesterday. Heart warming to see so many people that care!
Ek het baie klere wat ek kan skenk. Vir seuntjies en dogtertjies en natuurlik is daar klere vir groot mense ook. Hoe gaan ons te werk om dit by julle te kry ek bly in Pretoria. Ons kan of reel dat iemand dit kom haal wat in die rigting beweeg of ek sal maar plan moet maak oor 'n naweek en dit vir julle bring.
O ja en voor ek vergeet ek het speelgoed ook wat julle moonlik by die skool kan gebruik of anders kan julle pakkies opmaak en vir die kinders huis toe stuur daarvan
The article has touched my heart. It is just so sad to read about people and especially children who have nothing. I forward the e-mail I received to my daughter in law and she was so touched she has already called in. i dont have much money and live in Germiston but if i can help even in a small way please let me know
Annell De Klerk
Ek ken niemand persoonlik nie, maar ek wil elkeen opreg bedank vir hul onbaatsugtige omgee, liefde, hulp, passie,tyd, donasies en moeite!!!!!!!! Baie dankie Trudie,Estelle, Alicia,Sophia en al die Dames werksaam in die kombuis - ek neem aan dis o.a. Mara, Salmina,Johanna,Lydia en Florance, en enige persone wie se name nie genoem in nie, en diegene wat bygekom het!Die Here sien elke getroue hart en jul sal groot daarvoor beloon word ! ! !
Baie dankie ook aan JC, Greg, Ilse, Mariska, Michael, en al julle ander Mensies vir jul bydraes en donasies en tyd!
Mag die Here julle almal besonders seen en onderskraag! Sterkte en voorspoed vir Mug and Tree ! ! !
Baie dankie Greg ek Estelle Opperman HOof van Mug and Tree en my kleuters waardeer opreg alles wat jy vir ons doen en gedoen het dankie x
This heartfelt story touched my heart and I did forward it. To most of friends. As an Result did Mrs Scullard and I decided to have a fund raiser at school and would like to bring donations just before school break up for the winter holidays. Can you pleasw forward details of schools location and address to me asap so we can book the school bus with some of our learners to come and bring our goods in form of clothing and non pericable food items. Xx
Trudie....wonderlike werk wat julle doen....ons wil saam met julle werk...sien julle Maandag...ek het gelees van Marlize wat 'n fees/mark wil organiseer vir einde Julie....Marlize vind uit by die skole in die omgewing.....betrek die o-gee gemeente by die HTS N Diederick....ek wil graag kombersies skenk vir nou
Thank you for the article - I am so glad that I read this. I am putting together some things with my daughter and will raise awareness wherever possible.
Another great way to raise funds is to find out if wwww.myvillage.co.za to see if they can help as well. Not sure how an organisation would get onto their list but if Mug and Tree contacted them they could advise.
A video on YouTube and a Facebook page could also raise much needed awareness for funds and donations.
I believe in helping people help themselves and once they have the house to use, a vegetable garden would be a wonderful way of teaching children and using the produce to help feed everyone. I'd be happy to volunteer my services for the veggie garden establishment and will continue to give what I can.
Christo & Antoinette Watkins
To all 7087 people that read this mail (to date).
We have deposited R 100.00 into Mug and Tree Nursery School account tonight.
We are hereby starting a “Sponsor a Mug and Tree child” programme where each of us (7087) commits to a minimum of R 100.00 per month for 12 months.
This means an income of R 700 000 per month (minimum) for this school - a drop in a bucket of water.
When depositing your money into Mug and Tree account please specify M&TChild as reference. Just so we can keep tab on commitments.
(The story of the Starfish........
And that is your challenge. And that is my challenge. We must each find our starfish (M&TChild). And if we throw our stars wisely and well, I have no question that the M&T will be a wonderful and blessed place for children and helpers alike.)
It is heart wrenching to hear about children suffering, they don't deserve it!
Have Mug and Tree, or parents applied to the government for grants?
I have asked a Church member to check if Harvest Aid(a charity which our Church supports), could help with food.
Vanaand sit ek met 'n vol gemoed as ek na al die kommentaar lees wat almal gemaak het. Ek is klein voor GOD en doen wat Hy my op die hart gele het om te doen Ek doen dit met liefde vir my mede mens en omdat God altyd vir my en my gesin goed was. Baie baie dankie aan almal wat ons so ondersteun het - ons het nog nie deur al die skenkings gewerk nie, maar probeer dit so vinnig moontlik doen. Ek nooi almal uit om ons te kom besoek, te kyk wat ons doen.
As ek net in 1 persoon se lewe 'n verskil gemaak het, het ek my doel op aarde volbring. Ek loof God vir sy wonderlike genade.
The address for Mug & Tree please?
Hi, I'm sorry, I have now dealings wit this place anymore