Last year, we embraced the “Year of Collaboration,” choosing to support a different charity each month. And out of that fantastic journey, the Lead2 Foundation was born, a commitment to consistently support local charities that are making a real, measurable impact.
In Q1, we kicked things off by supporting two outstanding organisations. One of them is Amado, a place where lives are transformed by something truly special the healing power of horses.
Amado: Healing Through Horses
Nestled in the heart of Paarl in the Western Cape, Amado dedicated to bringing joy back into the lives of individuals facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Their mission is simple: to transform lives weighed down by sadness into lives filled with happiness.They raise awareness of what is possible, helping individuals overcome obstacles and injustice.
Amado offers therapeutic horseback riding sessions for individuals with special needs, offering them a rare opportunity to experience independence and build self-confidence. For many participants, who may not have access to other recreational or sports activities, riding is more than just an activity; it is a transformative experience that fosters personal growth.
What Amado Stands For
At its core, Amado is about breaking down barriers. They’re on a mission to show that happiness and success are possible, regardless of an individual’s circumstances. It is about looking past labels and stereotypes, treating everyone with kindness and respect, and helping them see the world from the back of a horse.
Why Horses?
For individuals with mobility challenges, the horse’s natural movement closely mimics walking, enhancing muscle strength, balance, and independence.
But it’s not just about the physical benefits. Participants develop patience, focus, and self-control as they learn to guide their therapy horses. Each small victory builds confidence, and that sense of “I can do this” extends far beyond the arena, transforming daily life.
Mini Miracles: Empowering Mothers, Changing Lives
In the first quarter, we also supported Mini Miracles, a Johannesburg-based organisation dedicated to helping mothers and their newborns, particularly those facing the challenges of premature birth or financial hardship. For many families, welcoming a new baby should be a time of joy, but when complications arise, it can become a time of anxiety and struggle. Mini Miracles is there to make that journey easier.
Every year, thousands of babies in South Africa are born prematurely or require specialised care right from birth. These families often find themselves navigating emotional and financial stress, unsure where to turn. That’s where Mini Miracles steps in, offering a lifeline of support at every stage, from complicated pregnancies to the tense days in neonatal care, and even after families bring their babies home.
How Mini Miracles Make a Difference
Mini Miracles provides a range of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of these families:
Their work spans several areas:
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Healthcare Support:
Partnering with hospitals in Johannesburg and Pretoria, Mini Miracles ensures that newborns in need, especially those in neonatal intensive care, receive the specialised attention they deserve.
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Family Assistance:
Recognising that medical care alone is not enough, they offer emotional and practical support to mothers, helping them stay strong through challenging times.
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Educational Initiatives:
Mini Miracles runs school feeding schemes to ensure children receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
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Community Engagement:
By fostering a spirit of kindness and volunteerism, they bring people together to support struggling families, providing essentials like warm baby clothes, blankets, and other necessities.
At its heart, Mini Miracles is about creating a network of compassion, reminding mothers that they are not alone. With the right support, they can overcome even the toughest challenges, finding hope and strength when they need it most.
As we wrapped up our first quarter, we were reminded of the incredible impact that compassion and support can have. Whether it’s helping individuals rediscover their strength through horseback riding at Amado or standing by new mothers during their most vulnerable moments with Mini Miracles. The Lead2 Foundation is proud to play a part in these life-changing stories.
To learn more about the impactful work of the Lead2 Foundation, click here
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