Community Project

Since 2017, Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister & Celebrant Community Project, has been working within the South African community of Hartbeespoort, North West Province, an hour and twenty minutes from Johannesburg.

You may ask why Jon would want to work in South Africa.

An easy question to answer being that it is where half of our family are from, and we still have close family living there. South Africa holds a very special place in our hearts, not only because of our family connection but also because it is a magical and beautiful country full of diversity and culture.

Like most countries, South Africa has its problems, mainly poverty, corruption, and racism across all spectrums. Sadly, the gap between those that ‘Have’ and those that ‘Have not’ is often vast. Leaving individuals and families with very little possibility of getting out of the situation that they face; these are the very people that need the most help and support.

Our focus is to work within the different community groups to help train and support local individuals, regardless of colour or creed, providing the tools to make a change in their lives.

I am often reminded by a man who said poverty isn’t about having no money or position, poverty is when there is no choice. In reflection, some will worry about what t-shirt to wear, yet if you only have one, then there is no choice. The same reflects to food, housing, education and more. This has really resonated with me for a long time and driven me to where I am today to strive to help with my local community contributions in South Africa.

Jon was hoping to be able to train people in Complementary Therapy education, giving individuals the qualifications and skills for employment. At the current time, this is not going to be possible as the relevant UK accrediting body wishes for too much money and is being very unsupportive. With time and patience, we are hoping the situation will improve, allowing us to continue with our long-term education goals and experience in this field.

Regardless, in continued contribution we are currently working with a Local Development Community Centre. With the centre setting up a sewing group, currently having ten ladies learning to sew, bead, knit and crochet. Whereby the skills learnt are assisting with everyday living; producing clothes, cushion covers, tablecloths, beanbags and much more, all of which are being sold within the local community.

We are also contributing to a local community church group that distributes clothing to hard-to-reach community groups.

Alongside the Community Centre and the community church, we are also working with a fantastic organisation called the Winnie Mabaso Foundation – http://www.winniemabaso.org/

We have already transported over 200kg of donated clothes. Reflectively I was recently asked, “Does it ever get cold in South Africa?” and the answer yes, very. It can go from 22 degrees during the day, to minus 5 at night. Sadly, the people within the community do not have the facilities or the amenities we have to keep warm.

Items we have already taken out to South Africa for the community projects

• £800 (ZAR16.000) worth of masks and hand sanitisers were distributed within the local community.
• 10 large suitcases of clothes and shoes. Given to the Winnie Mabaso Foundation.
• 4 large suitcases of clothes and toys. Given to the WAS Foundation.
• 6 large suitcases of clothes and shoes. Given to the Winnie Mabaso Foundation.
• 4 large suitcases of fabric, wool and sewing equipment. Given to the Development Community Centre.
• 5 large suitcases of clothes and shoes. Given to the Local community church.
• 5 large suitcases of clothes. Given to the Development Community.
• 6 large suitcases of clothes and toys. Given to the WAS Foundation
• Underwear (Bras, Knickers, Men’s Pants), Thermal undergarments
• Socks (Children & Adult)
• 1 sewing machine donated by Mercedes from Cath Kidston. Given to the Development Community Centre.
• 3 additional sewing machines were donated by three lovely ladies.

We also offer a small grant scheme where people can apply for funding to help with small medical costs and funerals.

If you would like to help us with this important and valuable work by making a contribution, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email. Please click here to make contact

Thank you

Jon