Stronger together: how your donations kept these families going
Stronger together: how your donations kept these families going
Christa Eybers
Stronger together: how your donations kept these families going
At Hot Cares, we believe family is more than blood—it’s about unconditional love, shared strength, and moments that make it official. This Christmas in July, we celebrate three extraordinary families whose lives were changed forever thanks to your kindness during Teddython.
Carolyn’s story still brings tears to our eyes. When she was just a baby, life tossed her between biological parents and places of safety. But when her foster parents had to move to the UK for medical reasons, her godmother Belinda stepped in without hesitation. Carolyn became her foster daughter—but the legal adoption process would cost R20,000 they didn’t have. That’s when Hot Cares stepped in to help.
“We couldn’t let something happen and risk her being taken away,” Belinda said. The adoption was finalised in February 2025, and Carolyn now proudly shares her family’s surname. “She kept asking, ‘When will I have the same name?’ Now she does. She’s happy, settled—and she just loves everybody.”
To mark the occasion, Hot Cares also gifted the family a celebration weekend and a professional photo shoot, capturing the joy of becoming official. This wasn’t just about paperwork—it was about identity, security, and belonging. And for one little girl, it meant everything.
Listen to the heartwarming story here:
A little girl with big courage
Then came Esmi’s story. Born at just 25 weeks, weighing under 600 grams, her survival was nothing short of a miracle. Now five, Esmi lives with cerebral palsy and developmental challenges. Her parents, Michael and Esther, had tried for years to have a child—and now they were fighting just as hard to support her speech therapy, special nutrition, and care costs. “We were in dire straits,” said Michael. “You came through at the right time.”
Thanks to your donations during Teddython, Hot Cares stepped in with six months of therapy support and a Dis-Chem account for essentials. “She’s talking more. Her vocabulary has expanded. She’s doing great,” her dad shared. “You’ve helped us give her a better future.”
One mom, one little girl — and a village of support
And then there’s Haley, raised by her devoted single mom Claudia. Over four years, Hot Cares has helped with school fees, essential toiletries, and holiday cheer—from Easter eggs to a simple, thoughtful pair of socks on Mother’s Day. “You’ve always had our backs,” Claudia said. “Even just a kind message on a tough day meant the world. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for us.”
These are your stories, made possible by your kindness.
These are the families you’ve helped. This is why Teddython matters most.
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