Compassionate crusader: Teenager’s mission to aid the homeless

Trinity, a dedicated student at Curro Durbanville High School, currently in Grade 10, and an active member of the Cape Town Junior City Council, is on a mission to bring about significant change in her community by providing ‘Blessing Bags’ to those who need them the most.

hygiene kits for homeless individuals

Trinity’s story is not merely a tale of academic achievements and her passion for chess; it’s a narrative of compassion, empathy, and unwavering determination. She’s the driving force behind “Horizons of Hope,” a project dedicated to delivering essential hygiene kits to the homeless individuals of Cape Town.

homelessness has reached alarming proportions

In South Africa, the issue of homelessness has reached alarming proportions, leaving countless individuals and families without stable shelter. For them, access to basic hygiene products often remains an unattainable dream, exacerbating the challenges they face in their daily lives. Trinity recognized this crisis and took it upon herself to take action.

“Horizons of Hope” stands as Trinity’s response to the pressing issue of homelessness. She passionately expresses,

“It is no secret that homelessness in South Africa has reached unprecedented levels. Despite our country’s rich cultural diversity and vast economic potential, we are also confronted with the daunting challenge of homelessness. A substantial portion of our population grapples with the harsh realities of living without a stable shelter. For these individuals and their families, obtaining access to basic hygiene products often proves to be an impossible task, further intensifying the challenges that most of us can’t even begin to imagine. ‘Horizons of Hope’ is my response to this pressing issue and the dire need for support within the homeless community. Our mission is clear: To provide essential hygiene kits to the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Each Blessing Bag, with a cost ranging between R100 and R110, contains items like toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, facecloths, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, lotion, and soap. While these may seem like everyday items to many of us, they can make a world of difference to those who lack access to them.

To finance her “Horizons of Hope” campaign, Trinity initiated a crowdfunding effort on BackaBuddy with a goal of raising R11,000 to purchase 110 bags. She has made significant progress, having raised over R3400 already, thanks to the generosity of 10 donors.

Trinity’s journey toward making a difference commenced at an exceptionally young age. Her mother, Marisa Laas, lovingly recalls,

“At only 3 years old, Trinity asked me to make a list of things she needed to give to ‘the poor people,’ this included a car, purple paint for their houses, and toys for the children. She has always been a beautiful empathetic soul with a heart for those less fortunate than herself. I am so proud to be a bystander in her journey through life.”

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Trinity’s compassionate spirit and unwavering determination are truly inspiring as she strives to bring about positive change in the lives of the homeless in her community.

At the age of 12, Trinity displayed her benevolence by raising over R40,000 on BackaBuddy to assist her 11-year-old chess prodigy friend, Amahle Zenzile, from Crossroads in Cape Town, to travel to Namibia and participate in the African Youth Chess Tournament.

Trinity’s mission serves as a poignant reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can ignite a wave of positive change. She is indeed a beacon of hope in her community.

If you’d like to be a part of this incredible initiative, you can support her campaign on BackaBuddy