Honouring Gail Reiners from Faith No Fear with Our Third Community Hero Trophy
In a world where hardship often overshadows hope, there are still people who shine through like beacons—people who love without limits, give without conditions, and serve without applause. In the heart of Elsies River, Cape Town, one such woman exists. Her name is Gail Reiners, and for years she has been the beating heart behind Faith No Fear, a grassroots feeding initiative built from nothing more than her deep love for her community.
On a warm and emotional day, Making a Change, together with our trusted sponsor Food Socks, had the honour of awarding Gail our third official Community Hero Trophy. It was more than a gesture. It was a moment that symbolised decades of love, sacrifice, and service.
Even as Gail battles with declining health and has had to slow down her operations, she still finds a way to feed children in her street—every single day. Sometimes it's a slice of bread, sometimes a warm meal, but always given with the deepest care.
This is the story of that day—when we came together to help her feed hundreds and remind the people of Elsies River that the spirit of giving is still alive and thriving.
Who Is Gail Reiners?
You won’t find her name in newspapers. She doesn’t have a formal office. There’s no red tape, no grant funding, no massive kitchen staff. But for the children of her street—and the wider community of Elsies River—Gail is a lifeline.
Faith No Fear was born not from ambition, but from urgency. Gail couldn’t ignore the hunger around her. She saw children skipping meals, sleeping hungry, and falling behind in school because they simply didn’t have enough to eat. She couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
So she did what only the most courageous people do—she opened her doors, her heart, and her kitchen to the people around her.
For years, out of her own home, Gail cooked meals for the children in her area. Sometimes using her pension money. Sometimes with donated ingredients. But always with love. Whether she was cooking for 10 or 200, she never turned anyone away.
Recently, due to her declining health, she had to pause her full-scale feedings. But she continues—quietly, powerfully—doing what she can. She feeds children with whatever she has in the house, often giving away the food she would have eaten herself.
Why We Chose Gail as Our Third Community Hero
We first heard about Gail through whispers—“You must go visit the woman in Elsies River who cooks for the children every day.” What we discovered was far more than just a woman with pots and food. We found a mother to a community. A woman with a deep well of compassion. Someone who had every reason to stop giving, and every excuse to put herself first—but didn’t.
At Making a Change, we created the Community Hero Trophy not just to celebrate those doing good, but to shine a light on the quiet champions who work behind the scenes.
Gail never asked to be recognized. In fact, when we told her about the award, she got emotional. “I don’t do this for anything in return,” she said. “I just do it because I can’t stand to see a hungry child.”
That’s exactly the kind of person we want the world to know about. That’s why she had to be our third Community Hero.
The Day We’ll Never Forget
When we arrived in Elsies River, Gail’s house was already surrounded by kids. The atmosphere was electric. Children laughed and played while neighbours helped set up for the food distribution. Gail, even though tired, was right there—smiling, giving directions, and hugging every child who walked through the gate.
With the support of Food Socks, we brought in enough ingredients and supplies to feed hundreds of people that day. It was a beautiful collaboration of purpose.
The scene was unforgettable. Large pots simmered with stew. Volunteers packed plates with rice, vegetables, and bread. Children lined up with patience and excitement, many of them barefoot but beaming.
We took turns serving alongside Gail, and what struck us most was how personally she knew each child. “He doesn’t like too much spice,” she’d whisper. “She’s allergic to eggs.” It wasn’t just food—it was care.
Presenting the Trophy: A Moment of Pure Emotion
After the meals were served and the lines had quieted down, we gathered everyone around. It was time to honour the woman who made it all possible.
Standing in front of her community, surrounded by friends, neighbours, and the children she had fed for years, we presented Gail Reiners with the third official Community Hero Trophy from Making a Change.
She held the trophy in both hands, tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t even know what to say,” she said softly. “All I know is that if I had to do it all over again, I would still feed these children. They are my joy.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
Her humility, her strength, her grace—this is what true heroism looks like. And to have the opportunity to honour her, on her own street, with her community watching, was one of the proudest moments in Making a Change’s history.
The Role of Food Socks
Our partnership with Food Socks continues to be a game-changer. Their commitment to addressing food insecurity in South Africa goes far beyond providing ingredients. They are strategic allies in the mission to restore dignity to those in need.
Thanks to Food Socks, we were able to deliver everything Gail needed to serve her community on that day—staples like rice, vegetables, beans, and protein-rich ingredients that would stretch to feed the many who came.
Together, we were able to say, “You are not alone.”
The Reality of Hunger in Elsies River
While the day was filled with joy, it also reminded us of a harsh reality. Elsies River, like many communities in the Western Cape, faces a devastating hunger crisis.
Unemployment is high. Gang violence is a daily threat. And access to basic resources like food, electricity, and running water is inconsistent at best.
In places like this, a plate of food can be the difference between despair and survival. And people like Gail are doing the work that others have overlooked.
We met a young boy that day—eight years old, no shoes, and carrying a plastic container. He told us this was his “lucky day” because he got to take food home for his siblings. He couldn’t stop smiling.
It’s a moment that sticks with you. It’s a moment that reminds you why this work matters.
What the Community Had to Say
During the event, we spoke with several neighbours who shared their love and respect for Gail.
“She’s been doing this for years,” one woman told us. “Before she was sick, she used to feed the whole street. And even now, when she’s not well, she still checks in on people. That’s just who she is.”
Another elderly man added, “She’s the mother of this area. She doesn't wait for government help. She just acts.”
It became clear to us that Gail wasn’t just feeding bodies—she was feeding souls.
The Importance of the Community Hero Awards
Gail's story is a shining example of why we started the Community Hero Awards. Too often, the real heroes—the ones who do the work that keeps people alive—are never celebrated.
By giving this award, we aim to do more than offer recognition. We want to raise awareness, increase support, and foster a culture of gratitude.
Every trophy we give is a message to the community: Your leaders matter. Your efforts matter. And we see you.
What’s Next for Faith No Fear
While Gail’s health may have slowed her down, her spirit is unbreakable. She still dreams of expanding Faith No Fear. She wants to one day run a fully equipped community kitchen, create safe spaces for children to study and play, and mentor young people in her neighbourhood.
With the right support, this dream is more than possible—it’s inevitable.
At Making a Change, we’re committed to walking that road with her. Whether it’s through ongoing food donations, volunteer support, or partnerships with other sponsors, we will be there.
A Word of Thanks
To Gail Reiners—thank you for being the kind of person who reminds us what love looks like. Your strength, humility, and perseverance have inspired us deeply.
To the people of Elsies River—thank you for welcoming us into your hearts and your homes.
To Food Socks—thank you for your unwavering support and your belief in our mission. Together, we are changing lives.
How You Can Help
Want to be part of this journey? Here’s how:
🌟 Donate – Help us support Gail and others like her. Every contribution makes a difference.
🌟 Sponsor a Hero – Become a monthly backer of a local community hero.
🌟 Volunteer – Join us on our next outreach day. We’d love to have you.
🌟 Share the Story – Tell someone about Gail. Share this post. Spread the love.
🌟 Nominate a Hero – Know someone doing similar work? Let us know.
Closing Thoughts: More Than a Meal
Our visit to Elsies River reminded us of something we’ve always known but sometimes forget in the noise of everyday life:
Kindness still exists.
Hope still lives.
And community heroes walk among us.
Gail Reiners is living proof.
She’s fed thousands over the years. She’s done it quietly. She’s done it without complaint. And even now, as her body slows, her heart beats as fiercely as ever for her community.
We’re proud—so proud—to have given her the Community Hero Trophy. But truthfully, no award could ever fully capture what she means to the people around her.
Still, it’s a start.
And as long as Making a Change exists, we will keep showing up. We will keep honouring heroes. We will keep feeding communities.
Because this isn’t just a campaign.
It’s a movement.
And it’s only getting started.