Real people. Real impact.
Every opportunity represents someone choosing to show up. From donation opportunities to volunteer events, these stories highlight what can happen when organisations and communities come together around a shared purpose.
207 People Answered the Call
The Challenge
Talitha Together was preparing for its Mother's Day Luncheon and needed support. The organisation was looking for 25 volunteers to help serve and support guests on the day. Like many community organisations, they had a clear vision for the event but needed extra hands to bring it to life.
The Response
The opportunity was shared through Thina and promoted on social media. What happened next exceeded everyone's expectations.
Within hours, responses began arriving. For nearly three hours, WhatsApp notifications appeared almost every minute as people reached out wanting to get involved. By the end of the first 12 hours, 207 people had expressed interest in volunteering.
Watching the messages come through in real time was a reminder that people genuinely want to contribute when they are given a clear opportunity to do so. The response wasn't just about one event — it was evidence of the generosity and willingness that already exists within our communities.
The Outcome
More than 30 volunteers ultimately supported the Mother's Day Luncheon, helping Talitha Together deliver a meaningful event for the young mothers they serve. The response also introduced many new people to Thina, with more than 50 app downloads generated in a matter of hours.
Most importantly, Talitha Together gained something more valuable than a successful event: a growing community of people eager to support their work in the future.
Impact at a glance
From an Overcrowded Container to a Classroom for 100 Children
The Challenge
For years, Canaan Pre School in Villa Liza, Boksburg operated from repurposed shipping containers. The classrooms were filled with learning and care, but demand had outgrown the available space. More and more children needed access to early childhood education, yet there simply wasn't enough room.
In early 2026, Canaan partnered with Thina to share a donation opportunity with the community. The goal was simple: raise R45,000 to build a new classroom.
The Build
The response exceeded expectations. Support from donors and community members made it possible not only to reach the fundraising target, but to expand the original plans. What began as a modest classroom project became a larger 12m x 6m structure capable of supporting significantly more children.
Then, just as construction was gaining momentum, a storm swept through the site. Walls were knocked down. The area flooded. Weeks of work were left scattered across the muddy ground. The project could easily have stalled.
Instead, the community returned. The site was cleared, materials were salvaged where possible, and construction began again. No additional fundraising appeal was launched. People simply got back to work.
Financial transparency
Every rand raised and every rand spent was documented throughout the project. Transparency was an important part of ensuring supporters could see exactly how the funds were used.
| Project Funding | Amount |
|---|---|
| Community Donation Campaign | R45,000 |
| In-kind support and community contributions | R7,000 |
| Total Project Funding | R52,000 |
| Project Costs | Amount |
|---|---|
| Precast Classroom Structure (12m x 6m) | R37,000 |
| Concrete Mix, Sand, Cement & Materials | R7,235 |
| Plastering Labour | R4,000 |
| Doors | R1,200 |
| Glass for Window Frames | R900 |
| Floor Levelling & Cleaning | R500 |
| Total Project Spend | R50,835 |
The Outcome
Today, more than 100 children have access to a permanent learning space built specifically for their needs. The classroom is twice the size originally planned, and the preschool remained operational throughout the transition.
What began as an overcrowded shipping container has become a purpose-built classroom where children can learn, grow, and thrive. More importantly, it means Canaan can continue welcoming families who need access to quality early childhood education, rather than turning them away because there is no space.
These are only the beginning.
As more organisations, volunteers, and communities join Thina, we'll continue sharing the stories that emerge when people come together around a shared purpose. Ready to be part of the next one?