Compassion in Action: Interact and Rotary Anns Unite for Kuselo

Ceanne Cole-Niven
May 13
2 min read

At Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn, we believe the heart of service beats strongest when generations unite. This April, we had the privilege of witnessing that spirit come to life through a powerful partnership between the Woodlands International College Interact Club and our dedicated Benoni Van Ryn Rotary Anns.

Throughout the first term, Interact students led an inspiring initiative to support Kuselo Child and Youth Care Centre — a sanctuary in Boksburg offering a safe, nurturing home for babies and young children who have experienced abandonment, neglect, or abuse. Kuselo provides not just shelter, but love, stability, and early childhood development for the most vulnerable members of our community.

The students collected a wide range of essential baby items including baby clothing, toiletries, plush toys, non-perishable food items, and baby care products. In addition, they gathered staple food items like pasta, tinned food, rice, and maize meal. Contributions flowed in from across the Senior College, thanks to break-time monetary collections, promotional posters, and donation drop-off points. The campaign, guided by Woodlands teacher Amber Bennett, truly became a school-wide movement.

But the Interact team didn’t stop there — they also raised over R1,600.00, which was used to purchase over 20 additional bags of groceries and necessities for Kuselo.

On 3 April 2025, the Benoni Van Ryn Rotary Anns, led by President Lynne Mehigan, officially handed over all donations. The Anns themselves donated R5,000.00 worth of groceries — a heartfelt show of support for Kuselo’s vital work.

This initiative was more than a donation drive — it was a beautiful reflection of Rotary in action. A meaningful collaboration where youth initiative, school spirit, and community service came together, guided by Rotary values, to bring hope and care to children who need it most.

We are incredibly proud of our Interactors, our Anns, and the broader school community whose kindness and generosity made a real, lasting impact.