03/07/2025
The last time I posted was back in March, and to be honest, life has been full-on lately. Between running two businesses, raising a teenager, and building kennels—there are definitely moments where I feel like my eye might twitch from the chaos 😅.
Truthfully, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed. But I’m doing my best—and just because it’s been quiet here on Facebook doesn’t mean nothing is happening. The heart and soul behind Kennels for a Cause is still beating strong, even if it’s moving at a slower pace than I’m used to. I truly believe that’s about to change.
Today, I’d love to share a story. Not to boast—but to offer hope. Because when there’s a will, there truly is a way.
This particular story started on June 7th, 2024, when an article about Kennels For a Cause was featured in Huisgenoot. Shortly after, a lady reached out via Facebook Messenger asking if we could assist her sister-in-law with donations. That’s when I was introduced to the remarkable Madelein.
Madelein lives in Rietbron, a place I had never even heard of before (yes, I had to Google it!)—a small town in the Eastern Cape. (Guys... the EASTERN CAPE). This incredible woman looks after about 240 dogs, as well as cats, donkeys, and horses—all on her own, with very little support. The closest vet? A staggering 90 km away.
I knew in my heart I had to help. But I hit a wall: how would I get kennels all the way there?
That’s when I reached out to Tayla from Brand Freight, who had previously helped us with pallet donations. She immediately offered to connect with her logistics contacts. We sent through the kennel dimensions, and to our absolute amazement, a logistics company stepped up and offered to collect the kennels from our home and deliver them to Madelein’s farm—completely FREE OF CHARGE.
Isn’t that just incredible? 🙌
They could only transport 14 kennels, but gave us the green light to fill them with as many supplies as possible. Everything was arranged for delivery just before Christmas 2024.
And the blessings kept coming.
Out of the blue, Aunty Heather, a lovely lady, called to donate offcut material and stuffing. She runs an organization called PET, which repurposes fabric offcuts and scraps into dog beds—preventing landfill waste and giving comfort to shelter pets. Additionally there were two amazing ladies from the Heldervue WhatsApp group who volunteered to sew as many beds as the fabric allowed.
Then, through the same Huisgenoot article, another kind-hearted woman (who wishes to remain anonymous) donated money for the kennels.
And finally—just when I thought my heart couldn’t take more—one of my incredible clients, who might just love animals more than I do, donated gift bags for us to pack inside each kennel as a surprise for Madelein.
On December 23rd, BCF International arrived to collect the kennels, beds, and gift bags—ready to travel 494 km (one way!).
After 8.5 hours of driving, they reached Madelein’s farm and began offloading.
When I received the videos of those kennels being delivered... I cried. I cried tears of joy, of gratitude, of deep, deep relief. All for the animals.
This story isn’t just about kennels—it’s about compassion, connection, and what can happen when people come together. It’s about the power of faith, the ripple effect of kindness, and the reminder that even when things feel slow or quiet—God is always working.
Please take a moment to visit Madelein’s page Rietbron ACT SA and see the incredible work she is doing in Rietbron. If you feel moved to help her—whether by sharing, donating, or simply sending encouragement—please do. Every little bit makes a difference.
To everyone who helped make this possible: Thank You. From the bottom of my heart.
Here’s to more miracles, more wagging tails, and more hope—one kennel at a time. 🐾💛