When Ben West shared an update saying “it worked”, he wasn’t talking about reach or growth, but about a single message that confirmed a stranger had found enough hope in a letter to keep going.

Global (06 February 2026) – When we shared the story of “Reasons to Stay” just over a week ago, it was already clear that something special was unfolding. The platform had only just launched, yet thousands of people around the world had already written letters for strangers who were struggling, choosing to offer empathy, warmth and connection at moments that matter most.

What we didn’t know then was just how important those letters are!

This week, Ben West shared a video update that has left us all in tears. In it, he spoke honestly, and with visible emotion, explaining that someone had written to him with words that carried extraordinary weight. They told him that because of his website, they had received a letter and, because of that letter, had chosen to stay.

“It worked,” Ben said.

“Reasons to Stay” was launched in honour of Ben’s brother, Sam, who died by suicide in 2018. Built over two years, the platform was designed to reach people at difficult moments through anonymous letters written by volunteers. Every letter is written by a real person and delivered at random to someone visiting the site. Each one is moderated by a team of volunteer clinical professionals to ensure it is safe for people experiencing suicidal distress. The intention was simple but profound: to remind people that they are not alone, even when it feels that way.

At the time of our first article, the site already featured more than 10,000 letters from people in over 100 countries, read by more than 160,000 visitors. Since then, the response has grown far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. Thousands more people from around the world, including South Africans, have taken time to write letters filled with warmth, understanding and lived experience. Those letters have now been delivered to almost half a million people, reaching individuals at moments where everything feels overwhelming and heavy. Each letter is different, but the message at the heart of them remains the same: you matter, and staying is possible.

@iambenwest♬ The View Between Villages – Noah Kahan

Ben’s update marks a turning point. The platform and its purpose were confirmed in the most real way imaginable. One person read a letter at the right moment and that moment mattered. But the reality is that this website has helped so many more people. Since sharing the update, social media has filled with messages from people who felt moved by the project. Some had written letters. Others had found the site while struggling themselves. Many simply wanted Ben to know that what he created was making a difference.

“I left a letter on your site. You are an amazing advocate for your brother. Keep making a difference, and if there is anything I can do to help, just shout huge respect,” wrote one commenter.

“Ben your doing something that is going to help so many people. Sam will be looking down and so proud of you. You are such a beautiful soul ,” another wrote.

For others, discovering the site arrived at a time when they needed it most.

“Dear Ben, THANK YOU for all your hard work! As someone struggling with mental health myself, I came across your post, and your website and it really struck a chord! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart ”

These messages reveal something important. This platform is not just about reading or writing letters. It is about people recognising themselves in one another. About strangers choosing to show up with honesty and care, even when it would be easier to scroll past.

South Africans have played a meaningful role in this global response, contributing letters shaped by empathy, reflection and understanding. It is a reminder that kindness does not need proximity to travel far, and that connection can be felt deeply, even across continents.

When Ben says “it worked”, what he is really saying is that someone chose life because another human being chose to care. And sometimes, that is how the biggest impact is made. One letter, one reader, and one moment of connection that helps someone stay.

Sources: Reasons To Stay | Ben West 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post “It Worked”: A Stranger Read a Letter and Chose to Stay! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When illness separates people from their families and familiar comforts, the smallest human connection can mean everything. HospiVision has spent nearly three decades making sure no one has to face those moments alone.

Pretoria, South Africa (05 February 2026) – Public hospitals can be overwhelming places. Long corridors. Hard news. Too much time alone with your thoughts. For many South Africans, being admitted means being far from home, separated from family who cannot afford to visit, or carrying fears they don’t know how to voice. And then, often when it is needed most, someone pulls up a chair, asks how you are really doing, and stays.

That is where HospiVision steps in.

Founded in 1997 by a small group of churches in Pretoria who simply decided to show up, HospiVision has grown into a national force for care within South Africa’s public healthcare system. This year, the faith-based non-profit passed a remarkable milestone, having supported more than 201,000 patients, families and healthcare workers across public hospitals in Gauteng and the Western Cape. In 2025 alone, their teams reached 45,605 people at facilities including Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, Karl Bremer Hospital, and Vredenburg Hospital.

We spoke to the HospiVision team, who are present in these hospital corridors every day and a clear theme emerged from every conversation. When families cannot be there, and medical staff are under immense pressure, what patients need most is someone who will stay, listen, and treat them with care. That presence often comes through the simplest acts, a chair pulled closer, a question asked with sincerity or a moment of undivided attention that reminds someone they still matter.

Christel Kloppers, HospiVision’s Finance and Marketing Manager and a former volunteer, explains that many patients are far from home, with families who are working, cannot afford to visit or live too far away.

“Many patients are far from home,” she explains. “Families are working, can’t afford transport, or live too far away. Some patients also face stigma that keeps loved ones at a distance. When people become ill, they often carry questions that aren’t purely medical. They ask why this is happening, what will happen to their families, or what they did wrong. We don’t have the answers, but we are there to listen.”

That listening matters. Volunteers offer conversation, a hand to hold, and the simple dignity of being seen. They also provide practical comforts like toiletries, clothing, books, or magazines.

“Those small acts of presence can turn a hospital stay from something to endure into something bearable,” Christel says.

Behind the milestone of 201,000 lives touched are stories that linger long after the hospital visit ends.

Gawie Le Roux, HospiVision’s Vredenburg Coordinator, recalls sitting with an elderly woman who was anxious and desperate to go home.

“We sat with her and listened, and by the end she was calm,” he says. Another moment involved a man awaiting an amputation, terrified of losing his independence. “We couldn’t change his situation, but we could make sure he didn’t face it alone. That’s what we do. We show up when people need it most.”

For Christel, one memory from her time as a volunteer changed how she understands care entirely.

“I realised how much I had underestimated the power of simply being with someone in a time of need. You see a patient who looks utterly hopeless, and when you leave, something has shifted, just because someone sat with them. It’s hard to put into words, but it changed how I see what presence can do.”

She believes South Africans often overlook the impact of small moments.

“We tend to chase big differences, but it’s often compassion and understanding that truly matter. As a nation, we have so much to give. Retirees can offer time. Those with resources can offer practical support. Volunteering doesn’t just change the lives of others, it changes your own view of the world.”

That sense of care extends well beyond hospital beds. At Tshwane District Hospital, HospiVision employee Jabulile Shabangu volunteered her services to the burial support team, facilitating dignified funerals for more than 20 unclaimed individuals. People who might otherwise have been forgotten were laid to rest with respect and care.

Phakama Magadla, HospiVision’s Karl Bremer Hospital Coordinator, shares a moment that stayed with her.

“A patient once said to me, ‘It’s nice to have someone who cares.’ That showed me how powerful presence and listening can be, and how pastoral care restores dignity and humanity in healthcare spaces.”

Simphiwe Leshabane, Grant Administrator, remembers visiting a young mother who felt overwhelmed after giving birth and feared she would never complete her matric exams.

“She contacted me later and sounded full of hope and determination to sit for her finals,” Simphiwe says. “That shift stayed with me.”

At Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Training Manager and Coordinator Tessa de Bruin notes the impact on hospital staff too.

“Doctors and nurses thank us as soon as they see our tags. Volunteers become a family and we work together.”

Amy Julies, HospiVision’s Tygerberg Hospital Coordinator, describes one of her earliest group sessions.

“At first, patients had faint smiles. Through conversation, presence, and shared stories, those smiles grew. By the end, they were smiling fully. It showed me how offering time and listening can change someone’s day.”

HospiVision’s reach also includes rebuilding lives beyond illness. At the De La Porte Oasis centre, 131 people completed skills training last year in baking, sewing, needlework, and digital literacy. Their soup kitchen served 4,343 meals in 2025, with women making up nearly three-quarters of those supported.

Skills Development Coordinator Takalani Murulane beams when he speaks about one baking student.

“She started her own business and is now a well-known baker on TikTok as Ntanga Bakery. Every time I see her, I feel proud. That’s what skills can do.”

HospiVision is also investing in the future of mental and spiritual care. Through a partnership with the University of Pretoria, they offer online courses in spiritual care, pastoral counselling and trauma support. This year marks the launch of a two-year, full-time Hospital Chaplaincy Programme, the first SAQA-registered NQF Level 5 qualification of its kind in South Africa, developed with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

For Christel, the reason this work matters is simple.

“Illness doesn’t only affect the person in the bed. Families carry guilt when they can’t be there. Hospital staff are stretched thin. When we show up, we fill gaps that would otherwise leave people unseen. Healing is not only physical. It’s knowing someone cared enough to be present.”

HospiVision’s journey proves that you do not need medical training or large budgets to make a meaningful difference. You need willingness. Willingness to sit, listen, care… and once you experience what it means to be truly present for someone in their hardest moment, that instinct to care has a way of following you far beyond the hospital ward.

HospiVision is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO 016-668). To learn more or support their work, visit www.hospivision.org.za. Or you can find them on The Helpers.

Sources: Interview with the HospiVision team 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post Hope Has a Human Face in South Africa’s Public Hospitals appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Across the world, people are opening a website and finding words that feel as if they were written just for them, offering warmth, understanding and a reason to keep going. This is what the internet was made for.

Global (28 January 2026) – Ben West didn’t set out to chase numbers or build something that would go viral. He set out to honour his brother and to create a place that could reach someone at the exact moment they needed to feel less alone.

Just a week after launch, that intention has turned into something extraordinary, with a simple idea now touching hearts across the globe, including right here in South Africa.

Eight years ago, Ben lost his brother Sam, who took his own life. That loss never really leaves you, but it can take on different shapes. For Ben, it became a determined effort to build something meaningful, something that could offer comfort in moments that feel unbearable. The result is “Reasons to Stay”, a suicide prevention project built on one of the most human gestures we have: writing to another person because you care.

When you visit the site, you don’t sign up, you don’t explain yourself and you don’t need to have the right words. You are simply given a letter, written by a stranger, chosen at random. Every letter was written by a real person, somewhere in the world, who sat down and decided to offer warmth, hope and connection to someone they will never meet. Every letter is carefully moderated by a team of volunteer clinical professionals to ensure it is safe for people experiencing suicidal distress. The space exists as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not as alone as we think.

@iambenwestThis is me, and this is what I do ♬ original sound – Ben West

In just seven days, more than 10,000 letters have been written by strangers from over 100 countries, and those letters have already been read by more than 160,000 people. Among them are messages like this one, written from a place of survival and hard-won perspective:

@iambenwestAn update ♬ original sound – Ben West

I sat down with Ben to talk about the initiative and the response has been overwhelming, even for someone who spent two years building it before launch.

“I’ve been working on this website for around two years now. I’ve known for a while that it was something that was needed,” he shared.

“When we talk about mental health or suicide, there’s a tendency to talk about the responsibility of others. We talk about the government not investing enough or healthcare not being good enough. Both of those things are largely true around the world, but the conversation about mental health becomes very negative. And if you’re trying to give people hope that things will get better, on some level, this is a little counterproductive! Necessary conversations, but only when balanced with some positivity. That’s where Reasons to Stay came from, it is a uniquely positive project where everyday people can feel like they’re playing a positive role in suicide prevention.”

Reading through the letters before they reach the moderation team has given Ben a window into what people truly value when everything else falls away.

“What I’ve found so interesting is reading through the letter submissions before they go to my team of clinical professionals to be moderated and checked. You start to get a picture of what people truly value in life,” he explained.

“In over 10,000 letters we’ve received so far, material items are never mentioned; they don’t talk about what car you drive or where you live. No one has said anything about being proud of how much you make or your job title. Almost exclusively, they talk about valuing yourself and the importance of the loved ones around you. When it comes down to it, and strangers are pressed to give people a reason to stay, it turns out that what matters most is loving what makes you unique and being around your family and friends. A profound reminder for us all.”

At the heart of the platform is Sam, and the work he never got the chance to finish himself.

“Out of the two of us, Sam was the first to be a mental health campaigner. He badly wanted for people to be more aware and educated on mental health, and he desperately wanted support to improve. If Sam had survived, I’d have no doubt that he would be writing the words you’re reading now, he would be doing the work I’m doing, and I would be the proud older brother. Sadly, Sam never got the opportunity to get better and do these things. But I feel a very strong sense of responsibility to continue the work he started and do my absolute best to make a change so that other people do have that opportunity to get better.”

Although the platform is based in the UK, its reach has been unmistakably global, and Ben is clear that this is not about borders or geography.

“No matter who we are or where we come from, we all have highs and we all have lows,” he said. “This is not a platform for British people to help British people, it is a website for humans to help humans. We all have the same basic needs, and although we may speak different languages or come from different cultures, we are the same far more than we are different.”

Messages arriving from all corners of the world have reinforced that belief.

“Since launch, we’ve received over 10,000 letters written by people from over 100 countries. Each are strangers providing enormous empathy and support to other strangers. It’s so easy to think of the world as a neatly divided grid of different people from different areas. But that sells us so short of what we really are, a group of human beings all born into life at random, trying our best to work out how to do it. When you read a letter on the site, anyone in the world could have written that to you. What a beautiful thing that is.”

For anyone in South Africa, or anywhere else, who feels moved to write a letter but isn’t sure where to start, Ben’s advice is gentle and grounded.

“If you’d like to write a letter to a stranger, that is a wonderful thing to want to do,” he said.

“What I’d say is don’t overthink it. When we study suicide prevention and what works at supporting someone through those moments of distress, telling them what to do or giving advice actually isn’t particularly useful. Neither is being dismissive or trying to persuade them to stay. What people value in those moments is acceptance, genuineness, empathy and connection. Those are very hard things to get across in a letter, but it is possible. Look at some of the letters already on the site for inspiration, and remember that anything you do write goes to our clinical moderation team before being delivered, so it doesn’t have to be perfect.”

And if you’re in need of some love and kindness during a difficult time, visit the website.

What “Reasons to Stay” offers is not answers or fixes, but presence. It meets people in the middle of their hardest moments and reminds them that someone, somewhere, has felt this too and chose to reach out. That small act of connection can be enough to slow the spiral and help someone breathe.

And maybe, just maybe, a letter from a complete stranger gives someone a reason to stay.

Sources: Interview with Ben West | Reasons to Stay 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post A Simple Website is Saving Lives by Delivering Letters From Strangers appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Chris Lomas joined me in studio to talk about Hope4’s global impact, its growing work in South Africa and the belief that lasting change only happens when dignity and community are placed at the centre of every solution.

Johannesburg, South Africa (28 January 2026) – Hope is a word we use often, but this week’s episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque explores what it looks like when hope is backed by real action, accountability and a deep respect for human dignity.

Chris Lomas is the founder and CEO of Hope4, and after connecting on LinkedIn, we jumped onto a Zoom call to talk about the work they have been doing around the world. Somewhere halfway through that conversation, I stopped him and said, “This can’t just be a Zoom. You have to come into studio”.

Some stories deserve more time, more space and a proper microphone and Hope4 is one of them.

On this week’s poddie, Chris joins me to unpack the incredible impact Hope4 has had internationally and, excitingly, right here in South Africa too. Guided by compassion and a deep respect for human dignity, Hope4 works in communities affected by poverty, human trafficking, conflict and natural disasters, offering both immediate relief and long-term, sustainable solutions that help people move from crisis to resilience.

What stood out for me is how grounded their approach is. Hope4 believes that every person deserves dignity, security and a real opportunity to build a stable life, and they back that belief with transparency, strong local partnerships and community-driven action.

As Chris explains, it is never just about aid, it is about empowerment, trust and lasting change.

There is also a very special announcement in this episode. Hope4 is heading to Kilimanjaro, turning a tough climb into a powerful platform for hope, awareness and impact, and if you know anything about me, you know that mountain already has a special place in my heart.

This conversation is full of heart, purpose and perspective. Watch it below:

Watch and listen to the episode on all our social platforms (like all of them).
New episodes drop weekly.
Powered by BetterBond. Filmed at Primedia Studios.
Stories that matter. Conversations that count.

Sources: Good Things Guy | Good Things with Brent Lindeque 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post Meet Chris Lomas: The Hope4 Founder Bringing Dignity, Action And Impact to Communities appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The festive season is meant to be filled with warmth and connection, but for many dogs in Soshanguve, it brought abandonment and fear. What followed was a powerful reminder of why shelters matter.

Pretoria, South Africa (03 January 2026) – When the noise of the holidays fades, the real work begins. While many of us were packing bags, planning braais or slipping into rest mode, a small team on the outskirts of Pretoria was quietly doing the hardest kind of work: picking up the pieces for animals left behind. Dogs who waited. Dogs who cried. Dogs who did not understand why love suddenly disappeared.

That is the daily reality at Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare.

The shelter exists for one clear purpose: to provide shelter, food and care for every dog in need in Soshanguve. But it goes further than rescue. The team actively teaches animal care to children and the broader community, involving locals in volunteer days and education programmes that help build empathy, responsibility and long-term change. Supporting animals in South Africa’s townships is about far more than rescue alone. It strengthens communities, improves public health, creates safer neighbourhoods and supports local economies. Most importantly, it reminds us that compassion is not selective… it belongs everywhere.

Over the festive season, that compassion was stretched thin.

In a post shared on social media, the shelter opened up about one of the most difficult periods they have faced:

“This festive season has been one of the saddest we have experienced. While many families are packing bags and heading off on holiday, so many dogs have been surrendered, confused, heartbroken and deeply stressed. These innocent fur babies don’t understand why their guardians left them behind. They wait, they cry, they search for familiar faces that never come back. Abandonment causes severe emotional trauma and during a time that should be filled with love, they are left feeling unwanted.”

Behind those words are real challenges. Right now, the shelter has no petrol to attend emergencies or rescues. Insurance is unpaid. Rent is overdue. And yet, every single day, the dogs still need food, medication, cleaning and comfort.

Despite being overwhelmed, the team has not stopped showing up.

We spoke to Tebogo Maredi, an Inspector at Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare, about what keeps them going when things feel impossible.

“Even during our most overwhelming days, small acts of kindness remind us why this work is essential,” Tebogo explains.

“A supporter dropping off food, a message of encouragement or a volunteer spending extra time comforting a scared dog makes a profound difference. Seeing a once withdrawn dog begin to trust again, eating, responding to gentle voices or wagging a tail, reassures us that compassion still exists and that our efforts are not in vain.”

That quiet rebuilding of trust is something the team witnesses daily.

“One dog arrived at the shelter visibly traumatised… withdrawn, trembling and refusing food, constantly watching the gate as if expecting their guardian to return,” Tebogo shares.

“For several days, there was no interaction. Through patience, routine and gentle care, the dog slowly began to heal. The first milestone was eating again, followed by allowing human touch. Recently, the dog started seeking comfort from caregivers, a clear sign that trust is slowly being rebuilt despite the difficult circumstances.”

Community support, Tebogo says, is not optional. It is the backbone of survival.

“Financial donations allow us to purchase food, fuel rescue vehicles, pay rent and maintain essential insurance. Messages of encouragement help our team cope emotionally with the daily challenges of animal welfare work. Volunteers provide enrichment, socialisation and affection… critical elements for the emotional recovery of abandoned animals. Without community involvement, shelters simply cannot function.”

There is also a deeper conversation that needs to happen every festive season.

“Abandonment leaves lasting emotional scars,” Tebogo says.

“Many animals develop anxiety, fear and behavioural challenges that can take months or even years to overcome. The festive season exposes a recurring pattern where pets are viewed as temporary responsibilities. Responsible pet ownership: planning for holidays, arranging pet care, sterilisation and adopting with long-term commitment in mind, is key to breaking this cycle.”

For those reading this and wondering how to help, the answer is simple and powerful.

“Meaningful change begins with action, no matter how small,” Tebogo says.

“Donations, fostering, volunteering, sharing awareness campaigns or educating others about responsible pet ownership all play a vital role. Compassion expressed through action saves lives. When communities come together, shelters are better equipped to protect and heal the animals who depend on us.”

The shelter is also appealing to companies and businesses that are able to assist through monthly donations or sponsorships. Ongoing corporate support creates stability, allowing the team to plan ahead, respond to emergencies and continue caring for abandoned animals throughout the year. When businesses partner with shelters, they do more than give, they actively strengthen the communities they serve.

Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educare is a registered PBO and can issue Section 18A certificates upon request. They also welcome Takealot or courier deliveries at their physical address: Plot 139 Kolgans Street, Onderstepoort, 0110, Pretoria, Gauteng.

Account details and a SnapScan link are available for those who are able to assist financially.

And this is where the good news lives.

Even in a season marked by heartbreak, there are still people who stay. People who show up. People who choose care over convenience. Every bag of food, every shared post, every moment of kindness helps a frightened dog feel safe again.

Source: Interview with Tebogo Maredi 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post Left Behind But Not Forgotten: Inside Soshanguve’s Fight for Its Dogs appeared first on Good Things Guy.

What happens when a radio show, a charitable organisation, and a community join forces? On the Cape Flats, it meant 501 children received a Christmas they will never forget.

Western Cape, South Africa (25 December 2025) – The Cape Flats knows struggle more intimately than most places. But this December, it also felt the warmth of something powerful: community. What started as a simple Christmas initiative on Radio Tygerberg’s Lift Klub snowballed into a celebration of humanity, with listeners gifting joy to 501 children.

Radio Tygerberg’s popular afternoon show, Lift Klub (weekdays 15:00 to 18:00), hosted by Mike Potgieter and Rouchelle Liedemann, set out with a heartfelt mission: invite listeners to donate a Christmas gift to a child living in an area facing daily hardship, gang violence, and systemic inequality. Their focus landed on the Cape Flats, where many children grow up surrounded by instability but still dare to hope for something better.

In partnership with the non-profit organisation It’s Amazing, the Lift Klub team aimed to collect 500 gifts, one for every child who attends the organisation’s programmes. It’s Amazing runs Babbelbekkies playschools, aftercare and holiday care initiatives, and projects for teenagers. These spaces are often the homes of dedicated “aunties” in the community, women who open their doors daily to provide safety, food, structure and love. They are the ones keeping little ones off the streets, offering childhood where the world sometimes tries to take it away.

Listeners were asked to drop off a wrapped Christmas gift, labelled by age and gender. What unfolded next was pure magic.

Grannies missing their grandkids arrived with toys. Families who felt fortunate brought more than one gift. People facing heartbreak or personal challenges still chose to give, holding on to empathy like a compass. Some donors shared that they were giving because they understood what it felt like to have nothing. Others came in quietly, placing gifts down and walking away before emotions spilled over. But every parcel, no matter how small, carried something priceless: intent. Dignity. Care.

By the time It’s Amazing founder and director, Lisa Truter, arrived to collect the gifts, they filled a combi to the brim. The count? 501 presents.

“These gifts were given with so much love,” said Truter. “My hope is that every bit of that love travels straight from the hands of the givers to the hearts of the children on the Cape Flats. It will mean more than words can say.”

For Lift Klub host Mike Potgieter, the lesson was simple yet profound.

“Whenever we do projects like this, I start off thinking that we are the ones blessing the kids. But as soon as the project gets going and you meet the listeners who get involved, you realise very quickly that we are actually the ones receiving the blessing.”

Radio Tygerberg Station Manager, Rikus van Rooy, reflected on the moment and the bravery of those doing the work every day.

“Since the station’s inception 32 years ago, it has always been our mission to inspire and impact our community. It makes my heart sing when our listeners buy into that mission and help us make a real difference. Thank you to everyone who was part of this Christmas project, spreading love and joy to the children served by It’s Amazing. These children face immense hardship every day, and we also honour the It’s Amazing team who have made it their life’s work to serve this community. Just last week, one of their workers was hit by a stray bullet in Heideveld. Thankfully she is recovering, but it reminds us that these teams quite literally put their lives on the line to do good.”

This isn’t just about presents. It’s about presence. It’s about a community showing up for children they may never meet, simply because kindness asked them to. It’s about ordinary South Africans creating extraordinary impact, one wrapped gift at a time.

Source: Radio Tygerberg

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post A Christmas Miracle on the Cape Flats: 501 Reasons to Believe in Goodness appeared first on Good Things Guy.

After years of heartbreak and waiting, Buster, Oscar and Titan are finally home… and it all started with a rap campaign that turned the older pups into headline acts.

Johannesburg, South Africa (25 December 2025) – Not all Christmas miracles arrive under trees. Some arrive on leashes, with wagging tails and eyes that can’t quite believe their luck. This festive season, three forgotten older pups from Woodrock Animal Rescue discovered that hope can come late…. and still be perfect.

At the end of November, we shared the story of a special campaign unlike anything South Africa’s animal-welfare community had seen before. Woodrock Animal Rescue and creative agency Lucky Hustle did something bold, heartfelt and a little bit wild: they turned their oldest, most overlooked shelter dogs into rap stars.

Yes, really.

Buster, Oscar and Titan, three “old guys” who had spent years watching life happen to other dogs, became the faces of a music video called Kennel to the Crib. It was a campaign made with grit and heart, created to help them find homes by Christmas. It highlighted their personalities, their stories and their longing to finally be chosen.

“Launching a campaign unlike anything the South African animal-welfare community has attempted before, Buster, Oscar and Titan are the stars of a new music video created to help them finally find a home for Christmas,” the team shared.

The video, shot at Woodrock’s Centurion rescue centre, shone a light on each doggie’s journey.

Buster, the gentle Rottweiler picked up on the roadside, overlooked again and again despite his soft heart and famous six toes. Oscar, the loyal mixed breed who lost his owner to tragedy and arrived grieving, confused, yet still full of love to give. And Titan, the clinic dog and lifelong blood donor who saved other canine lives but had never known the comfort of a home himself.

South African rappers Wordz Tha Prince, Dibi and Tyson Sybateli brought their stories to life, while Lucky Hustle and Finetune Studios made something that wasn’t just an advert or a plea for help,  it was art with purpose.

“This collaboration was designed to drive real-world adoptions by raising awareness about mature dogs who are often the last to be chosen but the ones with the most love to give,” says Estelle Meldau, co-founder of Woodrock Animal Rescue.

“This is creativity with heart,” adds Darren Morris, CEO of Lucky Hustle. “Advertising with purpose sits at the core of who we are, and this campaign proves what can happen when compassion and creativity meet.”

And South Africa delivered.

Something extraordinary happened: it worked.

All three pups have been adopted… just in time for Christmas.

Buster is finally getting all the cuddles he dreamed of. Oscar has a family who sees him for who he is, not what he has survived. And Titan, after years of giving his blood to save others, is now learning what it means to receive love without condition.

“Every dog has a story. We just gave them a mic.”

This moment wasn’t accidental. It was built by humans who believed in second chances, who used creativity as a tool and who refused to let these boys’ stories end in a kennel. It was built by every person who shared the video, every comment that pushed visibility, every heart that said, “Let’s try”.

This Christmas, the miracle didn’t arrive covered in glitter. It arrived on paws. It arrived with second chances. It arrived wrapped in love that had been delayed but never denied.

Source: Woodrock 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post Three Older Pups Found Homes Just in Time for Christmas appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Over good food, bubbles and shared intention, golden hearts turned a “pawty” celebration into action and generosity into life-saving support.

Johannesburg, South Africa (22 December 2025) – What started as a simple idea around a dining table has grown into something far bigger than anyone imagined. It’s a reminder that when people choose kindness together, the impact can be extraordinary… and sometimes, even life-changing.

Golden hearts were very much in action this weekend as Pawty with a Pawpose, founded by Eloise Biggs, raised an incredible R106 000 for Kitty and Puppy Haven. Friends gathered to exchange gifts, but also to give back, proving once again that celebration can carry real purpose.

And this year’s total didn’t just grow, it more than quadrupled previous efforts, showing just how powerful community can be when generosity leads the way.

“Together over good food, bubbles and friendship, we created real pawsitive change for Kitty and Puppy Haven. Every cent, every smile, every wag and purr that will follow, it’s all because of you,” said Eloise. “This is what happens when golden hearts come together.”

The funds raised will make an immediate and meaningful difference for a shelter that cares for up to 300 animals at any given time.

But during the evening, Kitty and Puppy Haven founder Samantha Berger also shared the difficult reality many rescue organisations are facing right now.

“As more South Africans emigrate, monthly debit orders are being cancelled, while at the same time animals are being surrendered because families cannot take them along,” Samantha explained.

Running Kitty and Puppy Haven costs approximately R350,000 every single month. That covers food, veterinary care, medication, staffing and the daily essentials that keep animals safe, healthy and alive. Monthly debit orders are what allow the shelter to plan responsibly and keep going, especially during times of uncertainty.

“Every human hardship ripples into the lives of animals,” Berger added. “When people downscale, emigrate or struggle financially, animals are often the first to suffer. Kitty and Puppy Haven never turns an animal away, but that commitment comes at a significant cost.”

Eloise echoed the importance of sustained support beyond one-off fundraising.

“Once-off fundraising is powerful, but monthly giving is what keeps the doors open. If your budget allows, even a small debit order can change everything for these animals.”

Supporters are encouraged to:

• Set up a monthly debit order: Every little bit makes a huge difference
• Donate goods or funds: Whether cash or much-needed supplies
• Volunteer time or skills: Walk a dog, spend time with the animals, or assist with admin and social media
• Host their own ‘pawty with a pawpose’ to extend the ripple effect

Kitty and Puppy Haven is a registered NPC and PBO and can issue 18A tax certificates for all donations, including debit orders.

As the festive season rolls in, loud, busy and full, it can also be an especially lonely time for animals who’ve been abandoned or surrendered. That’s something Eloise reflected on deeply.

“The festive season can be joyful and noisy and full, but it can also be incredibly lonely for animals who’ve been abandoned or surrendered at this time of year. For me, this season is a gentle reminder to slow down and notice them. The old dogs. The cats who’ve been waiting the longest. The ones who didn’t make the holiday plans. South Africans have the biggest hearts. I see it every time people show up. Not because they have to, but because they care. Whether it’s a donation, a share, fostering, adopting, or simply choosing kindness, it all matters. These small acts keep shelters going and give animals a second chance at love. If there’s one thing I hope people remember this festive season, it’s this: kindness doesn’t need to be big to be powerful. Sometimes it’s just showing up … and choosing compassion.”

Pawty with a Pawpose has shown what’s possible when generosity is shared, multiplied and sustained. It’s proof that ordinary people, coming together with open hearts, can create safer futures for animals who rely on us most… and that compassion, when acted on, truly saves lives.

Source: Interview with Eloise Biggs 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

The post A “Pawty” With Purpose… That Raised R106,000 And Changed Lives appeared first on Good Things Guy.

When former Police Sergeant Yuri Ray fell ill with ALS, Cape Town didn’t step back, it stepped closer, wrapping him and his wife, Chavonne, in the same tenderness he once offered everyone around him.

Western Cape, South Africa (20 November 2025) – Some love stories begin quietly. Others arrive without warning, in the chaos of sirens and shattered glass, when fate steps in long before either person realises it. That’s how Chavonne met Yuri Ray, the man she would later marry, the father she’d watch lovingly guide his children, and now, the husband she refuses to leave alone through the hardest chapter of their lives.

They met on duty after Yuri had been T-boned while chasing a suspect. Chavonne was the paramedic who treated him at the scene.

“We became good friends thereafter,” she tells me, “and we were married on 1 September 2018, under a big gorgeous tree on Windmill Beach. He proposed a few months earlier at Boulders. We couldn’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Those lives changed dramatically last year when Yuri, a former Police Sergeant at Diep River Police Station, noticed pins and needles in his left pinkie. Those tiny tingles became the first sign of ALS, a cruel illness that slowly strips the body of its strength while leaving the mind fully aware of what’s being lost.

Today, Yuri cannot walk. His speech is slow. His short-term memory is slipping. His body is giving way in ways no one should ever have to face.

And yet… his spirit is unshaken.

His humour is still there.

His love is as fierce as ever.

And his impact is growing bigger by the day.

The policeman everyone loved

When I spoke to Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ansley Jacobs, the affection was immediate.

“He is very disciplined, very reliable, and worked with the community, who absolutely loved him.”

“We could always depend on him.”

“He was a very, very good policeman.”

But those words barely scratch the surface.

As one of the Sector Commanders, Yuri ran the Safer Schools initiative, visiting local schools, guiding children, uplifting troubled youth, and reminding them that police officers could be protectors, mentors and friends. He didn’t clock off when the shift ended. He didn’t walk past children who needed an anchor. He was known by name, recognised in shops, waved at in the streets, hugged by kids who felt safer because he existed.

And he saved lives. Literally.

One of the most unforgettable moments is the story of baby Haley, a tiny girl who wouldn’t have survived without him. According to Chavonne, Katherine Brink and Caroline Knight speak of it often, of how Yuri’s actions changed everything. Haley is thriving today because he showed up. Because he cared. Because that is simply who he is.

“Yuri always went the extra mile and more for his community,” Chavonne says. “His connection with people is too far-reaching to fit into a single write-up.”

Beyond the badge, Yuri is gentle, playful and endlessly curious about the world. He loves nature… the sea, sunrise swims, tidal pools, long walks on the beach, hikes whenever they could manage. He adores animals too; their home is filled with five rescue fur children who bring him joy daily, and recently, he’s reignited a love for horses. Motor racing is an obsession. Power Series, muscle cars, bikes… all of it lights him up.

But what brings the biggest smile?

“His children, our family, our friends… nature, all animals, music, new experiences, food, people in general,” Chavonne tells me. “Yuri loves to laugh and to make others happy. That really makes him smile.”

And despite all he’s facing, his bucket list remains stubbornly alive.

“Yuri wants to skydive before he goes. If his medical team says it’s safe, I want to make that a reality. That would put a permanent smile on his face.”

The community refuses to let them fall

ALS is a devastating illness, emotionally, physically and financially. Yuri’s BackaBuddy page shares this openly, rawly.

“I am scared, I am frustrated, I am angry, I am confused, but I am choosing to live each and every day to the fullest. To cherish every moment… We cannot do this alone. We need your help, please.”

Chavonne posted a heartbreaking video to social media this week asking for help.

And when that plea reached the world, something extraordinary happened.

“Yesterday, my faith in humanity took a flying leap off a steep cliff,” Chavonne says, “and I was caught by literal strangers.”

Friends stepped forward. Neighbours showed up. Strangers became family. Messages, donations, voice notes, prayers… everything arrived at once, wrapping them in a type of compassion that doesn’t often make headlines but absolutely should.

“My mom, brother and stepfather have been absolute pillars of strength. Friends have been phenomenal. The community… remarkable. I wish I could hug every single person. I am overwhelmed and in awe.”

Every person who meets him says the same thing: he radiates kindness.

“Yuri has the kindest heart and soul I have ever met,” Chavonne says. “I have met thousands of people through my career as a paramedic. Souls like Yuri are rare.”

He is humble. Soft-spoken. Gentle.

And even now, even now, he puts others first.

“He wants to see his community living safely,” she explains. “He wants the youth to grow up without fear, to reach their full potential. He always strives to see the best in everyone.”

Even when his body betrays him, his purpose does not.

Love in its truest form

The love between Yuri and Chavonne is almost impossible to summarise. It’s steady. It’s stubborn. It’s defiant. It’s tender. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t run when things get hard, it rolls up its sleeves and stays.

“God knew what lay ahead,” she says. “He chose for us to meet the way we did. I will carry him if I need to. I will love and honour and cherish every moment with him until the end of forever.”

It’s not often that the hardest stories are also the most beautiful. But this one is.

Because love is still present.

Humour is still present.

Joy, in small pockets, in tender moments, in quiet corners, is still present.

And the kindness of ordinary South Africans is lifting them, day after day.

How to support

Yuri needs several specialised items:

• an electric adjustable hospital bed
• a hoist
• a BiPAP ventilator
• modifications to his electric wheelchair
• ongoing care not covered by medical aid

His BackaBuddy page, which has already raised R87,335, shares everything in detail, and every contribution, share, or message matters more than you know. This isn’t just about easing the weight of ALS. It’s about giving a man who has spent his entire life serving others a chance to feel held in return.

If you ask Chavonne what she wants people to know about Yuri, she doesn’t hesitate.

“He would risk his life for a complete stranger. He stands for justice and honour. He is passionate about his community, his loved ones, and seeing others reach their fullest potential.”

And maybe that’s the heart of it: Yuri spent his life showing people that good officers exist, that kindness matters, that service is sacred and that looking after each other is the only way communities thrive.

Now it’s our turn to show him the same.

Love can stretch. Compassion can multiply. Community can move mountains.

And together, we can help a man who once protected so many continue living with dignity, courage and the joy he so deeply deserves.

Source: Interviews with Chavonne Ray and Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ansley Jacobs

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post He Protected Thousands, Now Cape Town Is Protecting Him: The Fight to Support Yuri Ray appeared first on Good Things Guy.

An injured Hadeda found abandoned in a packet in the Verulam CBD is on the road to recovery thanks to caring community members, RUSA officers, and CROW volunteers.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (27 September 2025) – South Africa has a complicated relationship with the Hadeda. For some, their distinctive dawn calls are a noisy wake-up call. For others, those calls are part of our soundtrack… a reminder that we’re home. No matter how you feel about their squawks, one thing’s certain: these hardy, striking birds are an important part of our ecosystem.

And this week, one Hadeda in KwaZulu-Natal got a second chance at life thanks to a community that cared enough to step in.

On Friday morning, an injured Hadeda was found abandoned in a packet behind a building on Todd Street in Verulam’s CBD. The bird, distressed and unable to fly, had wounds on both legs. A staff member from a nearby business spotted the packet moving and discovered the trapped Hadeda inside.

Their quick actions brought in members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), who rushed to the scene.

“Reaction Officers arrived and captured the bird,” SA911 News and Crime shared in their post. It wasn’t easy, the frightened bird tried to escape, but thankfully, the officers managed to keep it safe.

Once secured, the Hadeda was handed over to a volunteer from the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). From there, the bird will receive the treatment and care it needs to heal. CROW has been instrumental in helping countless injured and orphaned wild animals, and this Hadeda now has the chance to recover and, hopefully, return to the wild where it belongs.

While many might roll their eyes at the mention of a Hadeda, the truth is they’re resilient, fascinating birds that play a role in keeping ecosystems balanced. They help control insects, adapt to urban life, and remind us that wildness exists all around us, even in the middle of a busy city.

This rescue is not just about saving one bird… it’s a reminder that compassion and quick action can turn a sad situation into a hopeful story. From the observant staff member to the RUSA team and the dedicated volunteers at CROW, a chain of kindness ensured that this Hadeda has another chance to thrive.

*The original post alleged that the person who dumped the Hadeda (in a plastic bag) is a “known drug user in the Central Business District”.

Source: Facebook 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:

Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Injured Hadeda Rescued After Being Found Abandoned in Packet appeared first on Good Things Guy.