Food rescue only becomes meaningful when it reaches organisations that use it to strengthen their communities. Stories of Our Beneficiaries is a continuing series that highlights those partners – the ones who turn rescued food into daily support and practical programmes.
This edition features two remarkable organisations: CBD Helping Hands (Pathfinders Girls) and Restoring Hope Community Development.
CBD Helping Hands (Pathfinders Girls)
CBD Helping Hands, founded by Charlene Windvogel in Cape Town, first gained recognition during the COVID‑19 pandemic when it expanded dramatically to feed multiple communities across Cape Town and Knysna. Today, it continues to provide meals while also uplifting young people through its Pathfinders Girls programme.
With three camps each year, career expos, dancing classes, reading rooms, sports clubs, and end‑of‑year galas, the programme gives girls a safe space to learn, grow, and connect. Partnering with initiatives like The Angel Network and CBD Helping Hands also restores dignity by providing clothing and resources that support personal development.
Restoring Hope Community Development
Restoring Hope Community Development begins with food but builds far beyond it. Their feeding scheme ensures families have daily meals, while the after‑school programme combines nourishment with homework support to help children succeed academically.
For job seekers, the community internet café offers access to CV support, bursary applications, and online opportunities. Restoring Hope also invests in youth development through excursions and discussions, and tackles pressing issues such as drug abuse, gangsterism, family violence, teenage pregnancy, and child abuse through awareness campaigns.
Youth from Restoring Hope Community Development on an excursion to the Two Oceans Aquarium at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.
By linking food access with education and social support, Restoring Hope helps communities meet immediate needs while working toward stronger futures.
Why Their Work Matters
CBD Helping Hands and Restoring Hope Community Development show how rescued food is more than a meal – it becomes part of a bigger effort to support families, guide young people, and strengthen communities.
This story is part of our ongoing series honouring the organisations at the centre of this mission. Each one reminds us that deliveries of rescued food are only the beginning – the real impact is seen in the daily work they do to uplift and sustain their communities.
Take Action
You can help strengthen the work of organisations like CBD Helping Hands and Restoring Hope. Every donation makes it possible to rescue more food and support more communities.