As Women’s Month draws to a close, IWISA No 1’s Fills Good campaign is shining a light on the incredible women who have been the behind-the-scenes heroines of Rustenburg’s Lighthouse Children’s Home since inception.
While the Lighthouse Children’s Home is well-known for providing much-needed care, safety, and hope for vulnerable children in the Rustenburg community, the NPO’s origin story is well worth reflecting on this month. “Since our establishment, the home has been run by compassionate and dedicated women from the community – serving tirelessly behind the scenes,” says Elsa Doubell, Co-Founder of the Lighthouse Children’s Home. “These remarkable ladies have shaped the lives of countless children, offering them the love and support they would not have found elsewhere.”
Doubell shares that the home was initially inspired by her and co-founder Gaylen Coelho’s determination to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in the community who were no longer able to stay with their families: “These children needed a new ‘home’ where they could grow up and just be children. This has been our mission from the start: to care for orphans and neglected children in our community. What started as a small project has grown into a sanctuary for over 60 children today.”
The home was officially opened in 2015 and is situated in Rustenburg itself. “The goal was always to create a haven for children, many of whom had experienced severe trauma and hardship. Here, they would find not only shelter but also the care and emotional support they desperately needed.”
Since its inception, the work of the Lighthouse Children’s Home has expanded, with the facilities growing to include separate houses for the boys and girls. “These have all been funded by the community,” says Doubell. “We unfortunately do not receive government support.”
Women have been central to the Lighthouse’s success. “From caregivers to kitchen staff, administrators to volunteers, women form the heart and soul of our home,” notes Doubell. “They are the first to greet the children in the morning and the last to tuck them into bed at night. Their warmth and dedication bring a sense of security and love that is essential for these young lives.”
Doubell adds that many of the children at the home arrive deeply hurt and without family support. “Our team steps in to fill this void, becoming their caregivers, mentors, and trusted friends. For these women, this is not just work; it’s a calling.”
With the Lighthouse Children’s Home selected as a beneficiary of IWISA No 1’s Fills Good campaign through the support of local wholesaler Three Star Powertrade, residents and community members of Rustenburg now have a chance to contribute in a meaningful way. “A percentage of the purchase price on all IWISA No 1 products bought at Three Star Powertrade will go directly to Lighthouse,” explains Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive:Milling. “This allows consumers to directly support the Lighthouse Children’s Home with every purchase they make.”
Mooko highlights that the IWISA No 1 Fills Good campaign is a Premier FMCG CEO-initiative: “This campaign is unique in that the donations come directly from the purchase price of each IWISA No 1 product in the basket, before the end of November. This money has been ringfenced by Lighthouse to be allocated towards the purchase of an ‘exit’ home for the children who will be turning 18 this year – and will be unable to continue living at the home because they have reached the age of majority.”
As Women’s Month draws to a close, Mooko encourages the Rustenburg community and beyond to honour the dedicated women behind organisations like the Lighthouse Children’s Home. “We are deeply inspired by the selfless contributions of these incredible women. Their passion and hard work serve as a powerful reminder of the need to continuously support the communities where we live and work. We urge Rustenburg residents to rally behind this campaign and help us support Lighthouse in its mission.”