December 2012 - The Potato Foundation

potato news
ISSUE TWENTY: CHRISTMAS EDITION 2012

From our office
We started this year with a heavy heart. Financially it was
very difficult for us to go ahead and we wondered how
we’re going to make projects work and pay salaries. We were
forced to notify staff that they could only be employed on
a month to month basis because of our finances that could
dry up at any moment and if that happened, we would have
to close our doors. Personally, it was very hard on us because
how do you let go of someone for whom you care? People
and children with whom you have bonded with over many
years.
We sat at the Lord’s feet and He showed us that we must
keep our heads down and continue with what we are doing,
to the best of our abilities. He will take care of the rest. It was
a point of total surrender. Everything was in His hands.
When we look back now in December, tears fill our eyes.
He not only provided, he has provided in abundance! Every
project we started, He made even bigger. Our December
month parcels were at 28 parcels two years ago, 64 last
year and 115 this year! We have started a kitchen this year,
where in previous years it wasn’t possible. We reached more
children this year than ever before. We received a car as a
donation! We could also tackle more projects this year. He
has sent wonderful staff and volunteers like you our way –
earthly ANGELS!
Our wish for you this Christmas season is that you totally
surrender to Him. May you experience His presence. In the
words of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Thanks WONDERFUL volunteer for everything you did for us.
You made the difference. Hold on because 2013 will be an
even bigger year!!!
Love
Potato Management Team
“Greater things are yet to come and
Greater things are still to be done in
this city….” Chris Tomlin

Schoolbag project –
A success!
Thank you to every volunteer, donor and generous heart who made
a donation or contributed to helping make the school bag project a
success. We handed out a total of 141 suitcases with stationery to EVERY
Grade R in our programme.
Our hearts overflow with gratitude because without you it would have
been impossible! Where the children would have gone to school with
a shopping bag you have given them dignity to enter big school with a
proud heart. Just look at the pictures to see what an impact you made.
Vos Centre Concert and Graduation
ceremonies
Thank you to every project who
invited us to their graduation! We
enjoyed it very much.
At Vos center Deo-Dané, our youth
worker, helped the Grade R class
with their closing concert and the
children blossomed on stage in
front of their parents.
We were also invited to attend
the graduation of Wonders of His
Grace. We are treated as hosts
and with big congratulations the
certificates were handed over to
the children who are now officially
ready for the big school.
At Eldaah Foundation in Ga-
Rankuwa we delivered suitcases
to every Grade R learner. It was a
wet and cold Saturday morning,
but the children’s faces were more
than enough to make one warm
inside. There is so much effort
made to make us feel that we are
appreciated by them. It touched
our hearts deeply that they did it
with so much enthusiasm. Their
humbleness and appreciation are
one for the books, something we
can always look back to and learn
from.
We look forward to Blessings
Creche and Orphange Centre’s
graduation this coming Saturday
where every Grade R learner will
also receive a school bag.

Grade 7 Potato Kidz Project: A storybook ending
Our organisation focuses much on teaching
children to have empathy with each other
no matter what their backgrounds are. By
learning to stand in another’s shoes and
look at that person in love a child WILL make
a difference in the world. The greatest gift
you can give a child is to teach him to GIVE!
So every year we aim not only to address the
children in our programmes’ physical and
spiritual needs but that they also learn from
our actions to serve.
This year was no exception and we
challenged our Grade 7s to make a
difference in someone’s life.
This was the best project that we have
worked on so far! The Grade 7 Group of
Primary School General Beyers and Primary
School Westerlig was filled with so many
ideas, energy, enthusiasm, passionate
representation, outside the box leadership
qualities and adventure. We have tackled
this project with both parties unsure as to
how we were going to get it right, but with a
proud heart, we can say that this project was
a HUGE success.
We started by presenting projects to
our Grade 7s and they chose to make a
difference in Anna van Heerden’s life. She
has “cerebal palsy”. They decided to assist her
mother with her medical expenses after she
recently had to go through a painful surgery.
The children started with enthusiasm and
began fundraising projects at their schools
to raise money for Anna’s medical costs.
Projects were cake sales, dance nights and
movie nights to improve this little girl’s
quality of life. The Grade 7 pupils worked
VERY hard to give this storybook tale a nice
ending.
And what a fairytale ending it was. They
were taken to the State Theatre for a
performance (Galaxy Beyond Imagination)
for their Grade 7 Project closure and handed
over the money they collected, R5 500, to
Anna and her mother.
Our wish is that these children take the gift
to GIVE with them to the next stage in their
lives, namely the high school.
We look forward to the new group of Grade
7s coming our way next year. Watch our
story book, so you can see how you can be
part of a chapter in an unforgettable story.

Firestation outing
This saying immediately made us think
of the firemen of South Africa. After this
trip, we take our hats off to every man and
woman in the fire brigades who are willing
to put their own lives in danger to save other
people’s lives. The nicest feature that stood
out for us was the fact that through all these
experiences and events they are still willing
to serve the children of South Africa with
love and a smile.
It was an absolute pleasure for the children
of Wonders of His Grace and Nea Nursery to
go to the fire stations in Pretoria. With great
excitement we all took the children safely
to the different fire stations, where we were
welcomed kindly by the firemen of South
Africa. The children’s eyes were very big and
they looked in wonder at the big red fire
trucks, “jaws of life”, fire extinguisher, red
lights and equipment. The firemen were very
friendly with the little kids and went out of
their way to make the day special for
each one.
What did the firemen teach the children on
this unforgettable outing? The emergency
number if there is a fire is 10177, how
the equipment works, each learner had a
chance to handle the heavy fire hose and
they enjoyed it very much, how they rescue
people from accidents and then of course
how the fire truck’s sirens sound. It was a fun
outing and left a good feeling in our hearts
when we saw how much the kids enjoyed it.
Thanks to each volunteer who helped and
also to Intentional Living for supplying the
wonderful food parcels for the children.

Baby shower
We held a baby shower on Saturday, 17
November 2012 for PATIENCE, one of
our Grade R teachers at Wonders of His
Grace. What a nice baby shower where
the mommy’s heart was overflowing with
gratitude. We gave all the glory to Jesus with
the knowledge that this child is a gift from
Him. Thank you to every person who has
given a gift and something to eat to make
this baby shower as special as possible for
Patience. We had very nice cakes, lasagne,
savoury treats and cupcakes.
Food from Heaven
Kitchen
On 1 June 2012, we began our food kitchen
at Primary School General Beyers. It is
literally “Food from Heaven”. We want to
thank every volunteer who contributed! We
hope you realise the impact an extra (and
for many the only) meal can make in a child’s
life. Not only are they not hungry all the time
but they can also perform better at school.
On 15 November 2012, we prepared a
Christmas dinner for them and decorated
the tables beautifully. MES’ drama group
performed a stage play for children which
they could watch while they ate. At the
end of the meal, each child also received a
Christmas present and a candy bag that he
or she could take home. Thank you to all our
volunteers who made the day possible.
Month Parcels
Four years ago, we found that although
children in schools may be in a nutrition
program, a problem sets in when the
children go home on weekends and
holidays. If there is not food at home, where
will the food come from?
Every year for the past four years, we have
tried to give needy families a month supply
of food parcels in December. December is
a tough month because businesses and
charities that may otherwise have looked
after the families closes during this time.
This month was like a small wave that
formed somewhere on the sea and then
broke ... at the right time like a powerful
wave on the beach.
In the beginning of November 2012, there
was almost no sign of any food parcel
donations. It was nail-biting and we were
on our knees asking God for guidance
and assistance so that He would provide.
The parcels came slowly and today we can
provide food parcels for 115 families. The
most ever in our history!
With every handing out of a parcel, there
was a warm feeling in our hearts. Individuals,
Bible study groups, children (the wonderful
group of Cornwall Hill) and large businesses
helped in enabling us to care for so many
families. Thanks to each volunteer who
sponsored a month parcel, or made up one,
or help to make the parcels.
Our gratitude to our Heavenly Father who
provided! Again “Food from Heaven”!!!

Thanks for the
help with Katelyn
Venter!
Last month, we introduced you to a little
fighter. It is a privilege for us to say thank
you to every donor and volunteer, who
made it possible so that Katelyn could get
a new feeding tube. One of our volunteers
also offered her services as an occupational
therapist at a minimal rate. Thanks to all
who help this little girl and her parents.
We also say congratulations to Katelyn who
turned 1 year old on December 1.
Thanks Radio Pulpit!
This year Radio Pulpit adopted us as one
of their Christmas projects. They not only
made a financial contribution but also
jumped in and devoted their time to make
up and hand out packets.
A handful of our Grade 7s challenged
other children over the air at Radio Pulpit
to make a difference to someone’s life this
Christmas season.
Thank you to all the staff of Radio Pulpit
who made us and the children feel so
welcome. Please listen to Radio Pulpit
and support them because they have
wonderful caring hearts. Listen to AM 657
to get daily spiritual food for thought!
Arts week
During the last week of November 2012
our grade R learners of Vos Centre made
artworks for our art week. We invited the
writer of the book “Die Huis van die Goeie
Burger”, Uncle Mervin Woodrow which we
dealt with through the year, to come to our
children’s exhibits and see how they have
learned from his book. With sticks, leaves,
cotton and sugar the learners made their
houses feel like art scultures.
They all sat in anticipation waiting for Uncle
Mervin early. He asked them what every part
of the house meant and with anticipation
we listened to the students answering with
honesty and excitement. They sang songs
for him, prayed and performed a concert.
Then everyone received something nice to
eat and gave Uncle Mervin a hug.
We want to thank Uncle Mervin for sharing
the day with us and that he helped us to use
this book at our projects this year.

Feedback from our
projects
Wonder of His Grace
“We the staff of Wonders Of His Grace Pre-School And Day Care
Centre would like to thank The Potato Foundation for all the love
and care we have received ever since we became part of you and
also thank you very much for being there for us in our times of
need. Thank you for our teacher’s baby shower (Tr. Patience) and
we thank God that she gave birth to a baby boy.
We really appreciate and adore your support to us. WE LOVE YOU
AND STAY BLESSED.”
Eldaa Foundation
“Good morning ma, thank you so much for doing us the honor to
send us representative. It was good having around and thank you
for our gift from everyone of us especially the parents are happy
for not only the bags but everything ure doing in your capacity for
us and all the children out there. God bless you abundantly”
Josephine: Eldaa Foundation
Thank you
• Intentional Living: Mari
Wasserman, Ej leach,
Chantelle Du Preez, Candice
hunt
• SchalkOosthuizen
• Werner Heenop
• P.BierBusse
• Nande Jansen van Vuuren
• JoaneBezuidenhoudt
• Gerhard Viljoen
• Lana en Stan Rademan
• Samuel Oosthuizen
• MokgadiLehong
• Trudie Coetzee
• CorliWinterboer
• Christo Pretorius
• Allen Baatsen
• Gerda en Cornelius Cloete
• Johan Breughem
• Willie Kleynhans
• Jennifer Wilken
• Jacques Nel
• MartilieBakker
• Yolandie Hoffmann
• AndréLubbe&personeel/
personnel
• EdithPilane
• JeanVisser
• Christo Kruger
(EnkeldebochBoerdery
Dendron)
• Koos Van Amstel
(XHRS Invest Vivo)
• Issie Pretorius (Alldays)
• Christo Pretorius
• Jolandi de Munnik
• Delhia&BassilFernie
(House Jerome)
• Chinese School
• MareletMoolman
• Dr Gerhard en/and
Rose-MariePosthumus
• Letsie van der Bank
• Burt
Lamprecht&selgroep
• Amelia Pretorius en
IEMAS
• Izel
• RianTruter
• IlseGanz
• Chantell Burger
• Delf Engineering
• Lucinda E Jooste en
Selgroep
• JacoAdendorf
• Corrie Du Plessis
• Gertru Eloff
• Angelique Robbertse
en Jobmailpersoneel/
personnel
• Elizma Frits
• Marius en
ElmarieLombaardt
• HanmarieKunneke
• Pieter Greyling
• Hylet Erasmus
• Carien Coetzee
• Leonie McManus
• SarelSalm
• Merlyn Enslin
• Girls from Cornwall Hill
College
• Lurinda Els
• Tanya Heyman
• Magda Pieterse
• Dalané Du Plessis

• Gert du Plessis
• Mardonette Gibson
• Gerda Grobler
• Linda Pienaar
• Mariska van Lingen
• Public Display Technologies
• YolandieVlok
• LéClair Dirks
• Johan Kloppers
• Boeretrust
• Japie Krige en die
Jozuagroep van MES
• RonelStrydom
• Colleen Sias
• Johan Louw
• Sonja Myburgh
• Celeste Verloop
• Pieter &Angie Raymond
• Juan Booyens
• Bonnie
Beeckhoudtfrom
Cliffview Primary
School
• Melissa Fourie
• Steadler
• Chemetrix
• Leon
&AnneriHaasbroek
• DawnLundall
• Robin&Netanja
• Van der Linde
• Courtney
• JozuaSterfontein
• Edzard de Villiers
• Tharina van Dyk
• Dezzi van
Niewenhuisen
• Corrie du Plessis
• Elizma Fritz
• Danielia Meyer
• AmandaMcMenamin
• HanmarieKunneke
• Salome van den Berg
• CP & Jean Greyling
• Johann &Carin de
Bruin
• Arrie& Eugenie van
der Westhuizen
• John-Miles Griffiths
• Andre le Grange
• Carien Coetzee
• Lee-Orr Venter
• Leonie McManus
• Erika Janse van
Rensburg
• Bea-Mari Bernard
• Tanya Teichler
• Adele Gouws
• IlseGanz
• Wesley van den Heever
• A & MW Pretorius
• Lucinda E Jooste
• Hylet Erasmus
• Meryl Enslin
• RianTruter
• Radio Kansel/Pulpit
• Marius Lombard
• BurtLamprecht
• Ronel van Heerden
• Exxaro
• SarelSalim
• Johan van Zyl
• Henda
• Monique Michelle
• Ilana
• Nadia Swart
• Adele de Villiers
• Jaco Adendorff
• Paper Enterprise
• Growth Point
• Liezl Kruger
• Anton Bakker Incorporated
• Gisele Nortjé
• Piet & Chanta van der Walt
• Piet Vosloo
• Edzard De Villiers
• Francois Botha
• Iemas
• Ian en Annelize Steyn
• Sonja Myburgh
• Oom Piet &Tannie Elmarie

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Connect with us
An easy way to stay in touch and be actively get involved is to visit our website, Facebook
page and Twitter! You will lose out if you don’t!
• www.thepotatofoundation.co.za
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Potato-Foundation/130107300360975
• http://twitter.com/#!/ThePotato1
Come live your passion and make a
difference!
Contact the Potato Foundation
Telephone number: 082 967 6258
Fax number: 086 612 6532
Email: info@thepotatofoundation.co.za
Website: www.thepotatofoundation.co.za