WE BRING LIGHT TO CHILDREN’S HOME!

A spirit of compassion and community upliftment came to life at Lighthouse Children’s Home at Oos-Einde, Rustenburg, where Net Nine Nine and KC Pinnacle Projects donated 100 blankets to children housed at the centre, bringing warmth and hope to the facility.

The Net Nine Nine visit was met with excitement and heartfelt appreciation from both the children and friendly staff of the centre.

As the blankets were distributed, smiles lit up young faces when they returned from school in a sponsored kombi, an indication of how meaningful such gestures are, especially during the colder months, and lately climate change having made everyone guess.

The visiting team received a warm welcome and was taken on a guided tour of the home, offering a closer look at the environment that supports and nurtures 77 children on a daily basis – more like home.

A particularly moving part of the visit was time spent in the babies’ section, where the vulnerability of the youngest residents left a lasting impression.

Among them were twin toddlers who captured the hearts of visitors-symbolising both the fragility and resilience of the children cared for at the home.

Founded and led by Elsa Doubell, the Lighthouse Children’s Home is built on a deeply personal mission.

Doubell, the second oldest of seven siblings, grew up in a large family, an upbringing that sparked her lifelong passion for caring for children.

“I’ve always had lots of children around me growing up, and I developed a deep love for caring for them. I always said before I turned 50, I wanted to do something meaningful for children in need,” she shared.

Her journey began at the age of 22, when she started taking in vulnerable children and raising them in her own home.

Although she has two biological children, Doubell has cared for and raised nine others over the years.

Her vision became a reality in 2019 when she was able to purchase the first property that laid the foundation for what is now a fully operational children’s home.

Today, the facility employs approximately 33 staff members, who are structured into dedicated teams across the infants’ house, girls’ home and boys’ home.

This system ensures that each child receives focused attention and care in a safe and stable environment, despite the progress, the challenges remain significant.

Doubell emphasised that meeting basic daily needs continues to be the home’s biggest hurdle.

“We have so much to worry about when it comes to essentials every day that sometimes things like keeping the children warm in winter are overlooked. That’s why we are incredibly grateful for these blankets, they will make a real difference,” she said.

She highlighted that ongoing needs include food, electricity, nappies and baby formula, critical resources required to maintain the wellbeing of the children.

While the home has infrastructure such as beds and shelter, sustaining daily operations depends heavily on external support.

The Lighthouse Children’s Home works closely with the Department of Social Development and receives children through the courts, many of whom have been abandoned or removed from abusive environments.

The home provides them with not only physical care, but also emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Community support plays a vital role in the home’s sustainability.

Each year on Nelson Mandela Day, the facility becomes a focal point for giving, as organisations and individuals donate food, clothing and other essentials in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service.

The recent donation by Net Nine Nine and KC Pinnacle stands as a reminder of the power of corporate and community partnerships. Beyond providing physical warmth, the blankets symbolise care, dignity and solidarity with the children of Lighthouse.

As Doubell continues her mission, her story reflects resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to giving vulnerable children a second chance, proving that with the right support, even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting impact.