Rainbow of Hope
Shakira - International Water Day - 22 March
Natalie - International Tooth Fairy Day - 28 February
Rainbow of Hope was recommended to me by Clint Thomas. He gave me Alison Alexander's contact details explaining how she runs a non profit in Goodwood, creating a home for children in need of a safe space. He didn't want to give me any more information and just smiled, saying "Just go have a look..."
I phoned Alison and found a time to go visit what I thought was just going to be another home for abandoned and abused children. Rainbow House was nothing like any I'd seen before. There was an immediate feeling of belonging, safety and warmth. It felt like the house I grew up in, and not a hostel as you would think. The house was beautifully decorated with each room beautifully unique. All the kids were looking happily busy with chores as Alison showed me around.
And what a remarkable woman, Alison Alexander. I would say she is a mother hen with the heart of a lioness. She cares about the children in her home as if they were her own and she will fight for them if anyone tries to hurt them.
Rainbow House can provide care for up to 14 children. The range of facilities available to the care givers are well utilized and include occupational therapy, medical care, psychological support from qualified practitioners as well as healthy exercise, musical stimulation and art therapy to ensure the downward spiral is curbed and reversed. Rainbow House also offers a wide range of workshops in conjunction with other NGO’s) for prospective parents looking to foster or adopt a child, equipping them with the skills and understanding required to care and the support once the child is ready to leave the haven.
Zoe - Hip Hop History Month - November
Fabian - International Food Day - 16 October
With great enthusiasm I offered my services and Alison shared her vision. We decided to create a calendar series of themed portraits for a 2019 calendar that would go to all the beneficiaries that have supported Rainbow House throughout the years. Each child chooses a month and day which they would like to portray.
Then the conceptualisation started with great excitement. Two weeks later, my assistant and I arrived to a house of children bustling with excitement at the thought of playing dress up, having their faces done up by Chelsea, our make-up artist for the day, and picture taken. All the characters and beautiful smiles came out in full swing including appearances by the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Santa’s Little Helper, Spaghetti Boy and one particular little beauty who braved the downpour of cold water over her head. What a champion!
The end result was extremely satisfying serving up twelve new beautiful images documenting the precious lives of children that have all been given a second chance. To donate, become a volunteer or for more information about Rainbow House go to the Rainbow House website
Contact Alison Alexander to find out how to get involved:
Tel/Fax: 021 591 6610
Cell: 082 202 0720
Shayner-Lee - New Years Day - ! January
Sisipho - Youth Day - 16 June