Feeding Hope: Our Visit to Shirley’s Giving Hands & Honouring a True Community Hero
In the heart of South Africa, where inequality, hunger, and hardship continue to grip so many communities, there are everyday heroes who rise above their circumstances and become a beacon of hope. On a day that reminded us all of the power of compassion and community, Making a Change had the honour of visiting Shirley’s Giving Hands—a feeding scheme that has become a lifeline for countless children in the area.
It was a day of giving, of feeding, and of celebrating humanity. We were there not only to lend a helping hand in preparing and distributing meals but also to recognize one extraordinary woman who has been quietly changing lives: Lecille Poole, the driving force behind Shirley’s Giving Hands. It was our privilege to present her with Making a Change’s very first Community Hero Trophy, a small token of appreciation for someone who has given her entire heart to the people she serves.
The Day That Moved Us All
When our team arrived early that morning, the sun was only beginning to warm the streets. But even in those early hours, the energy at Shirley’s Giving Hands was already palpable. Children began gathering, some barefoot, others shy but smiling, all waiting patiently for what they knew would be the only meal they might receive that day.
We were immediately welcomed by Lecille and her team of volunteers—humble people working with very little but giving so much. The first thing you notice when meeting Lecille is the calm strength in her eyes. She’s not someone chasing recognition. She’s not funded by massive donors. She is simply a woman who refuses to let her community go hungry.
That morning, over 400 children were fed thanks to her efforts—and thanks to generous donations and supplies from Making a Change supporters and our sponsors. As pots bubbled and steam filled the small kitchen area, we joined in to chop vegetables, stir giant cauldrons, plate servings, and help wherever we could. But as much as we gave, we received even more in return.
There is something deeply humbling about serving food into the hands of a child who is visibly hungry—someone who smiles at you as though you just handed them the world. It’s a moment that forces you to pause. It’s a moment that changes you.
Why We Chose Lecille Poole as a Community Hero
The decision to honour Lecille Poole as our first official Community Hero was an easy one. Shirley’s Giving Hands was named in honour of Lecille’s late mother, Shirley—a woman who believed in feeding children before feeding herself. That spirit lives on through Lecille.
Without government support, without fanfare, and often without enough resources, Lecille feeds hundreds every single week. She’s built trust in her area. She’s created something sacred—a space where children feel safe, loved, and full.
She doesn’t just give food. She gives dignity.
That’s why we created the Community Hero Award. South Africa is full of unsung champions who work quietly in the shadows. Their stories rarely make headlines, but they’re the ones holding communities together. With this award, we want to amplify those voices and shine a light on their work.
Presenting Lecille with the trophy was emotional. She was moved to tears—as were we. But she quickly shifted the attention, pointing out the volunteers beside her and the people who help make Shirley’s Giving Hands what it is. In true Lecille fashion, she made sure we all knew this was a team effort.
But make no mistake: she is the heartbeat of it all.
A Crisis We Cannot Ignore
As joyful and heart warming as the day was, it also revealed something far more sobering: the scale of hunger in our country is growing.
South Africa’s food insecurity crisis is real, and it is urgent. According to Stats SA, nearly 20% of households report inadequate or severely inadequate access to food. That’s millions of people going to bed hungry. And it’s not just about food—it’s about the long-term effects on children: stunted growth, difficulty concentrating in school, and diminished hope for a better future.
One of the hardest moments during our visit was seeing children arrive late, asking if there was any food left. For some, the answer was no. It shattered us. It reminded us that while we can celebrate the meals we served, the work has only just begun.
No child should have to fight for food. No parent should have to choose between buying a loaf of bread and electricity. Yet this is the daily reality for many in our country.
Making a Change: More Than a Name
When we started Making a Change, our mission was simple: highlight the people and organizations doing real work on the ground, and provide whatever support we could. We knew that change doesn’t come from big speeches or viral posts—it comes from action.
But Making a Change has grown into more than just a project. It’s become a movement. It’s a way of thinking. It’s a refusal to accept the status quo.
Through partnerships, fundraising drives, volunteer outreach, and content creation, we aim to not only support these community initiatives but also tell their stories to the world. Because when people know what's happening, they care. And when they care, they act.
Our visit to Shirley’s Giving Hands is just one of many. But it’s one that will stay with us forever.
What We Learned That Day
If we had to summarize the lessons of that day into a few powerful truths, they would be these:
One person can truly make a difference – Lecille didn’t wait for funding. She didn’t wait for perfect circumstances. She saw a need and stepped up.
Hunger doesn’t look the same everywhere – Some kids looked fine. Some laughed and played. But they were still hungry. Hunger hides in plain sight.
The community still has hope – Despite all odds, despite poverty, crime, and unemployment, people showed up to help. Volunteers. Neighbours. Local kids helping serve food to younger ones. There is still a heartbeat of kindness in this country.
Recognition matters – When Lecille held that trophy, it wasn’t just about her. It was a symbol that people see her work. That she matters. That change is recognized.
There’s still so much more to do – We left with full hearts, but also heavy ones. Because for every Shirley’s Giving Hands, there are a dozen others struggling in silence. Our work is not finished.
What’s Next for Us
This visit was just the beginning of a new chapter. Making a Change will be rolling out a full Community Hero Series, where we continue to identify, spotlight, and support individuals like Lecille who are reshaping their communities. We’ll be producing short documentaries, blog posts, and behind-the-scenes content to amplify their stories and attract more support.
We’re also committing to monthly visits and donations to feeding schemes across the Western Cape and beyond. From food drives to school partnerships to corporate sponsorships, we’re scaling our efforts—and we’re inviting you to be part of it.
Because change needs all of us.
How You Can Get Involved
Feeling inspired? Good. Because this isn’t just a story to read. It’s a story to join.
Here are some simple ways you can help:
Donate: Whether it’s R20 or R200, every cent helps feed a child.
Sponsor a Hero: Want to help fund our next Community Hero award or support a local feeding scheme? Get in touch.
Volunteer: Come with us on our next visit. We promise you’ll leave changed.
Share the story: Use your voice. Share this blog. Tell someone about Lecille.
Follow us on social media: Stay updated, get involved, and watch the change happen in real time.
A Final Word from the Heart
We came to feed. We left fed—in spirit, in hope, in inspiration.
There’s a quote we hold dear at Making a Change:
"You may not be able to change the world, but you can change someone’s world."
That’s what Lecille Poole does every single day. That’s what Shirley’s Giving Hands represents. And that’s what we witnessed on a day that we’ll never forget.
Let’s not just celebrate this moment. Let’s build on it. Let’s multiply it.
Let’s keep making a change—one child, one meal, one hero at a time.