Latest news with #GoodMorningAngels'
The South African
21-06-2025
- Health
- The South African
'Good Morning Angels' secure R2.7 million for burn care technology
Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' has raised an impressive R2.7 million to support child burn survivors in South Africa. The fundraising took place on Youth Day, 16 June, during the popular Breakfast with Martin Bester show. The goal was to replace a specialised laser machine at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Johannesburg. The machine is essential for treating burn scars in children, but broke down in late 2024 and cannot be repaired. These advanced laser machines cost around R1.4 million each. The machines are vital for restoring mobility and reducing scarring caused by burns, according to Media Update . Trained plastic surgeons operate the machines, which play a crucial role in the physical and psychological healing of young burn survivors. The Avela Foundation will use the funds to help up to 40 children every month on their recovery journey. A brave young girl named Avela inspired the foundation, which focuses on offering hope and healing to child burn survivors across South Africa. Listeners of Jacaranda FM responded generously, reaching the target for one machine just before 8 a.m. Donations continued to pour in after that. When the supplier offered a discount on a second machine for R1.3 million, the station set a new challenge. By the end of the show, R2.52 million had been raised, and the final total reached R2.7 million the next morning. This means two laser machines will be purchased, doubling the impact of the fundraiser for burn victims. Martin Bester, host of the Breakfast show, expressed his gratitude. 'It's hard to describe the emotion in the studio that morning. Knowing that our listeners didn't just show up, they showed up big. This was about giving children their futures back. We started Youth Day, celebrating the resilience of our young people, and ended it knowing hundreds more will get the chance to heal. That's what radio can do – it connects people and inspires miracles'. The campaign also received significant support from LottoStar, whose donation of R697,000 helped reach the first target early and motivated others to continue giving. The Machi Filotimo Cancer Project also contributed, supporting the campaign for burn victims and bringing joy to young patients at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital through a toy distribution. This initiative showcases the power of collective generosity and the commitment of South Africans to uplift the next generation. It stands as a fitting tribute to the courage of child burn survivors and the transformative role of community-driven efforts like Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
18-05-2025
- Health
- The South African
'Good Morning Angels' rally behind 10 year old Eben Beukes
The spirit of community shone brightly this week as Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' initiative stepped up to support 10-year-old Eben Beukes. Euben is a young boy whose life was turned upside down by multiple strokes. Eben suffered severe cerebral damage after a viral infection triggered Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) and a secondary streptococcal infection. The boy is now blind, unable to walk or speak, and requires full-time care, according to Good Things Guy. EBEN'S STORY Eben's story is one of heartbreak and resilience. In December 2024, what began as a routine illness rapidly escalated into a life-threatening condition. The strokes left Eben with severe disabilities, mirroring the tragic loss of his mother, who passed away from strokes two years prior. Now, Eben lives with his father Hendrik and 15-year-old sister Ané, with Hendrik carrying the heavy responsibility of caring for his children alone. Faced with overwhelming medical and homecare costs, the family reached out to Good Morning Angels. The response from the community was swift and generous. Round Table Pretoria donated R50,000. Caring Daisies matched this with another R50,000. Corestruc contributed R30,000, and the Good Morning Angels Fund NPC pledged R30,000, bringing the total to R160,000. Martin Bester, host of Jacaranda FM's Breakfast with Martin Bester , expressed the collective sentiment. 'No 10-year-old should have to go through what Eben is going through – and no father should have to do it alone. 'Good Morning Angels' is about giving families like the Beukes family the support they need when life becomes too much to carry on their own. We're proud to stand with them.' The funds will be used to equip Eben's home with specialised medical equipment, including beds and therapy tools. To ease the financial strain on Hendrik as he prepares to care for Eben full-time once he returns from rehabilitation. This remarkable show of solidarity highlights the power of community in South Africa. From school friends to local organisations, South Africans have rallied to give Eben and his family hope amid their darkest days. As one donor shared, 'From one parent to another, we're with you.' Good Morning Angels has been changing lives since 2005, offering a hand-up rather than a hand-out to those facing hardship. Eben's story is a poignant reminder of the initiative's impact and the kindness that thrives in South African hearts. In a country where community spirit often makes the impossible possible, Eben's journey is a testament to the strength found in unity and compassion. Together, South Africans are lighting the way for this brave young boy and his family. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
