As South Africa enters the vibrance of spring, we’re reminded that growth, renewal, and hope are at the heart of everything we do at GAP Talent. Our commitment to supporting Door of Hope Children’s Mission on behalf of our Talent Partners continues to be a cornerstone of our #GAPGivesBack initiative, and September was a particularly special month for the children and caregivers alike.
In South Africa, Heritage Day on 24 September, serves as a celebration of the country’s rich cultural diversity. At Door of Hope, this celebration extended to the youngest members of the rainbow nation and the day before, a unique gathering took place at the new Door of Hope property in the south of Johannesburg, which now serves as a welcoming replacement for their previous baby home in Berea.
The event was nothing short of magical. Children from newborns to toddlers, staff, volunteers, and friends, gathered to celebrate shared cultural heritage. The babies, dressed in bright traditional outfits, filled the day with smiles and laughter as they played together – some for the very first time. The warm spring sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of braais, dancing, and joyful conversation.
One of the many heartwarming stories from this day of celebration came from Baby Boy B, who has been making fantastic progress with his sitting skills. During the festivities, he showed off his new ability to sit independently whilst creating his own Heritage Day necklace. Not only is he mastering physical milestones, but he’s also learning to eat small pieces of soft fruit, a crucial step in his development.
Equally joyful was Baby Boy NV, who found huge delight in the sensory bin and hugs from his little friends. Baby Boy BO also thoroughly enjoyed the stimulation derived from the paper sensory bin. All three of our sponsored baby boys are doing so well, and enjoyed the time mingling with babies in the other age groups. These moments reflect the nurturing environment at Door of Hope, where every child is given the love and attention they need to thrive.
In September, Door of Hope embraced new beginnings with the official opening of their new property. This facility is a testament to the Door of Hope team’s selfless dedication to saving lives and providing safe, loving homes for abandoned babies. It was particularly touching to see the older toddlers tenderly caring for the younger ones, showcasing the deep sense of community and belonging that Door of Hope instills in every child in their care.
At GAP Talent, we believe that every child deserves love, hope, and a future, and through invaluable partnerships with our Talent Partners, we continue to support Door of Hope’s life-changing work. The progress made in September, from joyful Heritage Day celebrations to the developmental milestones of the babies, reminds us why our mission to change lives is so necessary. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact – one baby at a time.
As we close the chapter for September, we look forward to the continued growth and impact that Door of Hope will achieve in the coming months. A sincere “Thank You” to our Talent Partners for being an integral part of this purposeful journey with us.
Until our next update, we send our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all.
Ian, Tony, and the entire GAP Talent Team