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Compassion is more than a feeling. It is a choice to care, to serve, and to make a difference in someone’s life. That’s where Soap Sunday comes in! Every August, communities of faith are reminded of the importance of compassion and the responsibility we share to care for those around us. At Durbanville Children’s Home, we embraced this message through our Soap Sunday campaign, inviting churches, families, and members of our community to turn a simple act of giving into something meaningful for the children in our care. Because sometimes, compassion starts with something as ordinary as a bar of soap. Understanding Compassion Month August is traditionally recognised as the Month of Compassion within various South African Christian communities, particularly within the Dutch Reformed and Anglican traditions. It is a time dedicated to reflecting on our calling to serve others, support vulnerable people, and put our faith into action. The focus of Compassion Month is not simply to feel sympathy for those experiencing hardship. Rather, it encourages individuals and congregations to respond through practical acts of love, service, and generosity. The Western Cape’s faith-based organisations have used this month to highlight the needs of vulnerable communities, including children experiencing neglect, abuse, and difficult living circumstances. Organisations such as Badisa and Diaconia have encouraged congregations to explore how they can become actively involved in addressing these challenges. At the heart of this observance is a simple but powerful question: How can we make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need our care? At Durbanville Children’s Home, we believe that compassion is best expressed when it moves beyond words and becomes action. Introducing Soap Sunday As part of our Compassion Month campaign, we launched Soap Sunday, a community collection drive aimed at collecting soap for the children living at Durbanville Children’s Home. The concept was simple: we invited churches and communities to collect bars of soap and contribute them towards the everyday care needs of our children. Why soap? Because caring for children is about more than providing a safe home. It is about ensuring that their everyday needs are met, that they are treated with dignity, and that they have access to the essentials that help them feel comfortable, clean, and cared for. Soap is something many of us use without a second thought. It is an ordinary household item that we pick up during our weekly shopping trips. But when you care for a large number of children, these everyday essentials become an ongoing and important part of maintaining a home. Our children deserve access to these necessities, and Soap Sunday gave our community a meaningful way to help provide them. Why We Chose Soap as Our Collection Item When we think about charitable giving, our minds often turn to food, clothing, toys, or financial contributions. While all these forms of support are valuable, personal hygiene products are equally important. Soap contributes to good hygiene, personal wellbeing, and a child’s sense of dignity. It is part of a daily routine that helps children feel fresh, comfortable, and cared for. By collecting soap, our community helped support a practical need within the Home. Each bar represents a small contribution towards the resources required to care for our children. And that is what makes this campaign so special: it reminds us that meaningful giving does not always have to be complicated or expensive. A single bar of soap might seem like a small donation, but when an entire community comes together, those small contributions can make a real difference. Compassion Begins with Community One of the most meaningful aspects of Soap Sunday was the opportunity to invite our wider community to become involved in the everyday lives of the children we care for. At Durbanville Children’s Home, we are committed to providing a safe, protected, and nurturing environment for our children. While the public cannot visit the children on our grounds, there are still many ways for our community to support the Home and contribute to their wellbeing. Collection drives such as Soap Sunday create a bridge between the community and the work we do. They allow churches, families, schools, and individuals to participate in a way that is practical, accessible, and purposeful. You do not need to organise a large fundraiser or make a significant financial contribution to get involved. Sometimes, it starts with purchasing an extra bar of soap during your weekly shop. Sometimes, it means encouraging your church group to collect donations together. And sometimes, it means sharing an initiative with someone who may be able to help. Every act of kindness contributes to a culture of compassion. From a Small Donation to a Greater Impact Soap Sunday also served as a reminder that caring for children is a shared responsibility. Durbanville Children’s Home has been caring for children for more than 143 years, and our work continues because of the generosity and support of our community. From essential supplies to fundraising initiatives, every contribution helps us maintain the care, protection, and support our children deserve. Our Compassion Month campaign was not only about collecting soap. It was about encouraging people to pause, consider the needs of others, and recognise that they can make a difference through the resources they already have. It was about transforming compassion into something practical. It was about showing that when we work together, even the smallest contribution can become part of something much bigger. Thank You for Being Part of Soap Sunday To every church, family, individual, and community member who supported our Soap Sunday campaign during August, thank you. Thank you for choosing to participate. Thank you for recognising the importance of everyday essentials. And thank you for helping us create a culture where compassion is not just spoken about but lived out. Your support reminds us that the care of our children extends beyond the walls of our Home. It is strengthened by a community that believes in their worth, their dignity, and their future. As we

Easter is one of the most meaningful times of the year for us as a Christian children’s home. It is a season rooted in hope, sacrifice, and unconditional love—values that shape everything we do, every day. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, we are reminded not only of the message of Christ’s resurrection, but also of the calling to care for those in need. This is at the heart of our mission, and it is why initiatives like our Fill a Lunch Box with Love 2026 campaign matter so deeply. 👉 Learn more about our mission and values here: About Us Why Easter Matters to Us As a Christian organisation, Easter is more than a holiday—it is a time of reflection and gratitude. We spend this season: For many of the children in our home, this is also a time where they experience the warmth of family, tradition, and belonging, sometimes for the very first time. Living Out Our Christian Values Our work is guided by Christian principles of compassion, generosity, and service. We believe in showing love not only through words, but through action. This means: Easter is a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. The Reality: Empty Lunch Boxes While Easter is a joyful time, it also highlights a difficult reality—many children go to school with empty lunch boxes. For a child, this can mean: 👉 Read more about child hunger and its impact:[South African child welfare or nutrition statistics] This is where our Fill a Lunch Box with Love 2026 campaign comes in. What Is “Fill a Lunch Box with Love 2026”? Our 2026 campaign is a simple yet impactful way for our community to make a real difference during the Easter season and beyond. We invite you to help us fill lunch boxes with: Each item donated in 2026 will go directly toward ensuring that a child has something to eat during their school day. It’s more than just food—it’s dignity, care, and the reminder that someone is thinking of them. How You Can Get Involved There are several ways you can support this Easter: 1. Donate Lunch Box ItemsContribute snacks and food items that can be packed into lunch boxes for our 2026 campaign. 2. Make a Financial ContributionMonetary donations help us purchase exactly what is needed for the children throughout 2026.👉 [Donate Here] 3. Spread the WordShare our campaign with friends, family, and your wider network.👉 [Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok] 4. Partner With UsBusinesses and organisations can get involved through bulk donations or sponsorships.👉 [Events Packages] A Season of Giving, A Lasting Impact Easter reminds us that love is not just something we feel—it’s something we do. By supporting the Fill a Lunch Box with Love 2026 campaign, you are helping us live out that love in a practical, meaningful way. You are ensuring that no child in our care has to face their school day hungry. 👉 See the impact your support makes:[Impact Stories] Together, we can turn empty lunch boxes into symbols of hope. Join Us This Easter We invite you to be part of this journey in 2026. Whether through a donation, a partnership, or simply sharing our message, your support helps us continue the work we are so passionate about. 👉 Take the next step today: Because every child deserves to feel cared for, nourished, and loved.

As we step into 2026, we do so with hearts full of gratitude, renewed purpose, and big dreams for the year ahead. A new year always brings fresh opportunities, and at Durbanville Children’s Home, it represents another chapter in our ongoing commitment to provide safety, stability, and hope to the 144 children in our care. We are incredibly thankful to our community, donors, volunteers, partners, and staff who continue to walk this journey with us. Because of your support, we are able to look ahead with confidence and excitement. Our Key Goals for 2026 As we move forward into 2026, our goals are bold, necessary, and deeply rooted in the long-term wellbeing of our children. Each focus area below plays a critical role in strengthening the foundation of our home. 1. Huis Andrag Upgrade & Revamp One of our most urgent priorities for 2026 is the upgrade of Huis Andrag, our youth development and transition programme. This space plays a vital role in preparing our older children for adulthood and independence. Here, we prepare our school leavers for the real world, teaching them skills such as cooking, cleaning, money management and CV writing. This programme is a vital stepping stone for those preparing to leave our care. Completing this revamp will allow us to offer a safer, more functional, and empowering environment where young people can gain essential life skills, confidence, and direction for the future. 2. Children’s Activity Hall Upgrade Our activity hall is a central hub of life at Durbanville Children’s Home. It is used for: At present, the space is not practical or fit for purpose. In 2026, we aim to transform it into a holistic, functional, and welcoming environment that truly supports emotional development, creativity, and connection. 3. Strengthening Sibling Relationships Sibling bonds are incredibly important, especially for children who have experienced trauma or loss. This year, we are committed to increasing intentional sibling outings and shared experiences, ensuring that these relationships remain strong, nurturing, and secure. 4. Capacity Building & Staff Development While our staff are trained and qualified, we believe our children deserve nothing less than excellence. In 2026, we will invest further in: By strengthening our team, we strengthen the care our children receive every day. 2026 Event Calendar: What’s Coming Up Our events play a vital role in raising funds, building community, and sharing the heart of our home. Below is a breakdown of our key events for 2026. Concert – March 2026 | Barnyard Theatre, Tygervalley Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment at the Barnyard Theatre, Tygervalley, all in support of the children of Durbanville Children’s Home. This year’s theme – ABSOLUTE 80s! This concert promises great vibes, incredible talent, and a meaningful cause. 👉 Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and support our children through the power of live music. Online Auction – 29 September 2026 | WhatsApp Fundraiser Our first online auction of 2026 will take place via WhatsApp and is guaranteed to feature exciting, high-quality items up for grabs, from the comfort of your couch. Grab that night cap, and but your best bidding foot forward. Expect amazing lots generously donated by our supporters. 👉 Join the WhatsApp auction group via the link above, and don’t forget to submit your details to the number provided in the group description. Annual Ball – 31 May 2026 | Flagship Fundraising Event The Annual Ball is Durbanville Children’s Home’s flagship fundraising event and a highlight on our yearly calendar. Guests can expect an elegant night of fine food, live entertainment, appreciation, and powerful storytelling, all while raising essential funds to support the children in our care. 👉 Secure your table or sponsorship and be part of an unforgettable evening that changes lives. Annual Ladies Event – 29 August 2026 | Mistico Equestrian Centre Our much-loved Annual Ladies Event is a celebration of the women who make a meaningful difference in our home and community. This special day pays tribute to the incredible ladies who support Durbanville Children’s Home, as well as the women who work tirelessly to keep our home running every single day. 👉 Gather your gals and join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Annual Golf Day – 1 October 2026 | Durbanville Golf Course End off the year’s fundraising events with our Annual Golf Day, a relaxed and enjoyable day out on the course. Enjoy a fun day on the greens, followed by dinner and great company, all in support of a worthy cause. 👉 Enter a team, sponsor a hole, or donate prizes and help us drive change for our children. Be Part of Our 2026 Journey Internal Links You Can Add on Your Website: Every event attended, every donation made, and every story shared helps us move closer to our goals. As we step into 2026, we invite you to stand with us as we build safer spaces, stronger relationships, and brighter futures for our children. Together, we can make this year one of meaningful impact and lasting change.

As we reflect back on the year that has passed, our hearts are filled with nothing but gratitude. Every event, every partnership, every sponsor and every person who chose to stand beside us this year reminded us that this work, caring, guiding and building futures for our children, is not carried alone. We carry it together. This year showed us again what is possible when compassion becomes action, when community becomes family, and when hope becomes a shared mission. ANNUAL BALL – MAY 2025 Hosted at the beautiful Eensgezind venue, our Great Gatsby themed Annual Ball set the tone for the year. A night of elegance, live music and celebration, but most importantly, a night of gratitude for those who make our work at the home possible. The incredible Moonshine Band had the crowd dancing, Success Lekabe led the evening as our charismatic MC, and none other than Barry Hilton took the stage as our auctioneer. AV Staging Workx lit up the venue with immaculate screens and lighting, AVZ Décor transformed the room into classic 1920s glamour, and Bus Cuisine served a menu that absolutely wowed our guests. A deeply moving highlight was when the City of Cape Town and Mayor Gordin Hill Lewis generously donated R150,000 towards the Home. This moment symbolized support beyond funding, it represented belief. Belief in our children. Belief in our mission. Belief in the future we are actively building. LADIES BREAKFAST – AUGUST Hosted at Mistico Equestrian Centre, our “Ready To Flamingle” themed Ladies Breakfast celebrated the fierce and phenomenal women who hold up our Home; mothers, caregivers, donors, sponsors, volunteers and our girls who are becoming strong young women right before our eyes. Kos Kouture served exquisite meals, AV Staging Works and AVZ Decor elevated the space into pink, playful vibrance, Mel die Storieverteller left the room in stitches and tears, and Guy McDonald alongside Success Lekabe made the morning unforgettable. It was a morning of giggles, friendship, softness, connection… and reminder that women carry so many worlds on their shoulders. And this morning, we carried theirs too. FUNDRAISING CONCERT – OCTOBER This year marked a very special milestone as we hosted our first ever fundraising concert in collaboration with Barnyard Theatre Tygervalley, and what an incredible success it was. We journeyed through the best of 20th vs. 21st century music and the room was electric. We danced, we laughed, we sang, we celebrated nostalgia and created new memories all in one night. We sold out 90% of our tickets and the response was so overwhelming, so meaningful and so full of community unity that we are thrilled to share that this concert will officially be returning next year. This event was more than entertainment. This event was awareness, visibility and celebration, and it reminded us how powerful shared experiences can be for impact. ANNUAL GOLF DAY – OCTOBER Our Annual Golf Day at Durbanville Golf Club was a bright, energetic and unforgettable day from sunrise to long after the last putt. With more than 20 sponsored wet holes across the course, partners like Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, Jive and JKL Holdings brought extraordinary generosity and spirit. Guy McDonald led as MC and Auctioneer as the day rolled seamlessly into a festive evening celebration of good food, great laughs and community giving. Through auction bids and pledges, we raised close to R100,000 towards the upgrade of Huis Andrag – our satellite home in Kraaifontein. Every single one of those contributions leads to real transformation, tangible change and improved living spaces for our young people. If you would like to contribute to the upgrade of our Satellite home, the bridge between institutionalisation and the real world for our school leavers, please feel free to make a donation HERE As We Close This Year… Every event was more than just a date on a calendar.Every event was a brick in the foundation of a stronger future for our children. This has been a year of doors opening. A year of favour. A year where we felt the arms of community wrap around our Home again and again. As we look ahead to 2026 We step into the new year with intention, renewed purpose and expectation, that the same community who stood beside us this year will continue to walk with us into what comes next. We are dreaming boldly. Planning for more impact. Building better environments for our children. Preparing for stories yet to unfold. But before this year closes… We invite you to consider ending the year with a gift from the heart.Your year-end support fuels the final months of provision, stabilises our January transition period, and sets us up strong for the start of 2026. Whether it is a donation, a pledge, a new partnership or a simple share forward of our work, your contribution will create real, lasting, meaningful impact in the lives of our children. Thank you for standing with us.Thank you for believing in us.And thank you for giving our children a home, filled with love, belonging, opportunity and hope.

What is the Future Champions Sports Event? On 20th September 2025, Bernadino Heights School became the stage for one of the most anticipated youth sporting events in Cape Town—the 20th annual Future Champions event, hosted by Durbanville Children’s Home. The Future Champions sports day was first introduced in 2005 with a simple but powerful goal: to bring together children from different children’s homes in the area and give them the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities, build friendships, and feel celebrated. Many children living in care homes face difficult circumstances, often feeling isolated or set apart from their peers in the community. Future Champions was created to change that narrative. It gives children the chance to be spotlighted for their talents, to share in the joy of competition, and to experience a day where they are united in celebration rather than defined by their challenges. The History and Legacy of Future Champions Over the past two decades, Future Champions has grown into far more than just a sporting event—it has become a tradition of unity, pride, and empowerment. Since its inception, the day has brought together thousands of children from homes across the region, offering them an experience that is both uplifting and unforgettable. The event has always been about more than winning medals or trophies. It’s about children learning the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. For many, it’s also the first time they’ve had the opportunity to compete in front of cheering crowds, with their achievements celebrated and their efforts recognised. As Durbanville Children’s Home celebrates 20 years of this special event, it is clear that the vision planted in 2005 has blossomed into something extraordinary. Highlights of the 2025 Future Champions Event This year’s edition of Future Champions was filled with excitement, determination, and heart. The competition saw participation from six homes: Children competed in a variety of athletic activities that showcased their speed, strength, and endurance. The energy on the field was electric, with cheers echoing from teammates and supporters as each race, jump, and throw unfolded. The competition was thrilling right to the end. In a nail-biting finish, Durbanville Children’s Home clinched the win by just 2 points. HAM followed closely in second place, while Herberg proudly secured third. While the results brought joy and celebration, what stood out most was the spirit of camaraderie and encouragement. Children celebrated each other’s victories, cheered loudly for their competitors, and walked away with smiles and stories to last a lifetime. Why Children’s Sports Days Like Future Champions Matter Events like Future Champions are about far more than a single day of sport. They are about creating belonging and building confidence in children who may otherwise feel overlooked. Sports have a unique ability to teach life lessons. Through competition, children learn discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Through participation, they feel valued, supported, and celebrated. And through community gatherings like this, they are reminded that they are not alone in their journeys. For Durbanville Children’s Home and the other participating homes, Future Champions is also a chance to shine a light on the resilience and strength of the children in their care. It is a day that says: “You matter. Your talents matter. And your community is here to celebrate you.” Thank You to Our Future Champions Sponsors The success of the Future Champions 20th Year event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes to: Your contributions meant that every child could participate fully, without worry, and with the energy needed to give their best. We are deeply grateful for your support in making this milestone event possible. How You Can Support Future Champions Future Champions is not just a once-off celebration—it is an annual event that continues to bring joy and empowerment to children year after year. To ensure its continued success, we rely on the support of our incredible community of donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Here are some ways you can get involved: Every contribution, whether big or small, makes a tangible difference in giving these children a day they will never forget. The Future of Future Champions As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Future Champions, we look to the future with excitement and hope. The event has become a pillar of connection and celebration for children from across the region, and we are determined to keep growing it year after year. With the help of sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, Future Champions can continue to shine a light on the talents, resilience, and joy of children in care homes for decades to come. If you would like to be part of this life-changing event, please reach out to Durbanville Children’s Home at kv1@dchome.org.za. Together, we can ensure that Future Champions continues to inspire, uplift, and celebrate children for the next 20 years—and beyond. For more info on what we do at Durbanville Children’s Home, please visit www.durbanvillekinderhuis.org.za

In South Africa, we’re a nation with close to 19 million children under the age of 18. But for far too many, childhood is marked by hardship, loss, and instability. Today, about 2.8 million children in our country are orphans. Of these, more than 580,000 have lost both parents. Add to that nearly 4.5 million children living without either parent at home, and the scale of the crisis becomes heartbreakingly clear. Behind every number is a child – a life disrupted, a story that matters. Why Are Children Taken into Care? Children enter care for many different reasons. Often, it’s not a lack of love – but rather a lack of safety, stability, or resources. The most common reasons include: • Loss of parents, often due to illness such as HIV/AIDS or other long-term conditions • Neglect and abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual harm • Domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental illness in the home • Extreme poverty, which leaves many families unable to care for their children’s basic needs When home is no longer a safe place, the Children’s Court may place a child into foster care, kinship care, or a registered Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) – like ours. The Numbers Behind the Reality South Africa has between 306 and 345 registered CYCCs, housing around 21,000 children. In addition, over 1.5 million children are cared for by extended family members through informal kinship arrangements. Around 400,000 children are in official foster care, many supported through government child grants. A significant number of children remain in care until they turn 18 – the legal age of adulthood. Unfortunately, many never return home. The systems intended to help them often fall short, and too many young adults leave care unprepared for the realities of the world. Studies show that:• Over 75% of care-leavers earn below minimum wage. 1 in 3 are not in education, employment, or training a year after leaving care. Without proper aftercare, they are at high risk of homelessness, unemployment, and trauma relapse. How Durbanville Children’s Home Supports Our Children At Durbanville Children’s Home, we walk this journey with our children – not just until they’re 18, but far beyond. We are more than a safe place – we are a home. A place of healing. A community that believes every child deserves to thrive. And a place of comfort they are always welcomed back into, far after their time with us is over. Huis Andrag: Preparing for Independence Our satellite house, Huis Andrag, acts as a bridging home for our older children. Here, we guide them toward independence by helping them learn essential life skills – like cooking, budgeting, and time management – while still receiving daily support and mentorship. It’s a space where mistakes are learning moments, and small victories are celebrated. Rebuilding Family Bonds Wherever possible – and always in accordance with court orders – we work hard to reunite children with their families. We believe in the power of family, and we honour the emotional connections our children hold. We do this by: • Hosting family visits at our home • Arranging weekend and school holiday stays with relatives • Sending food packs to help ease the burden on families • Supporting regular communication between children and their biological parents Rebuilding these bonds takes time, care, and trust – but we believe it’s worth every effort. Healing Through Therapy Most of our children have experienced trauma – and so healing is central to everything we do. We provide: • Trauma counselling • Play therapy for younger children • Psychotherapy for emotional and behavioural supportWe help children make sense of their pain, build emotional resilience, and move forward in life with strength and confidence. Supporting Growth and Potential We are passionate about giving every child the chance to dream again. That’s why we support: • Academic success, through tutoring and school readiness programs • Sport and recreation, helping children discover teamwork, discipline, and joy • Creative outlets like music, art, and hobbies – so children can express themselves and explore their identity We aim to raise well-rounded, confident young people who know that their past does not define their future. What Can YOU Do? You can help us make a lasting difference. Donate: Your support helps us provide therapy, meals, school supplies, and more. Volunteer: Whether it’s tutoring, mentorship, or just showing up – your time matters. Share: Use your voice to raise awareness and tell others about the work being done. Every act of kindness is a step toward giving our children the future they deserve. A Hopeful Tomorrow At Durbanville Children’s Home, we believe that no child is too far gone, and no wound is too deep to heal. Every child deserves love, belonging, and the chance to build a future they’re proud of. Together – with our community- we can build that future. It stops with ME. And starts with US.