When we were invited to the BNI Forté Chapter’s weekly meeting to receive their donation of non-perishable food, we expected a simple handover... Instead, we walked into a room full of local business owners - part of BNI (Business Network International), a global networking community built on support, referrals, and lifting one another up - that left us feeling inspired!
Each member was given a moment to introduce themselves and share their “Big Ask” for the week - whether it’s a referral, support, or a specific connection. Simple, but surprisingly powerful.
Because the truth is, most of us don’t ask for what we really need. We hint. We soften. We make do.
But sitting in that room, watching people clearly and confidently ask for what they needed, it felt like a quiet kind of courage. And a reminder of how much can shift when we’re just honest about what would help.
So, as we made our way through Fisantekraal to distribute the donation to the incredible women we fondly call our Food Fundis, we carried that idea with us. We asked each of them: What’s your Big Ask?
Their answers were simple. Practical. And deeply humbling.
Alletta from Alletta’s Soup Kitchen cooks for 200–300 people twice a week.
Her Big Ask: A very large wooden spoon (and we mean properly HUGE), a large strainer, potato peelers, and a monthly sponsor for 14kg gas.
Charmaine from One Heartbeat Safe House is currently caring for six children.
Her Big Ask: A large (20L) pot, a sandwich maker for easy meal prep, material for curtains and a blender. And just like that, the Big Ask worked its magic - we happened to have a brand new blender, ready to be passed on!
“Tannie” Nellie from Home Jerusalem Soup Kitchen cooks three times a week for around 150 people.
Her Big Ask: Wool, bread, fresh vegetables, gas, and electricity.
Lizzie from Lizzie’s Soup Kitchen feeds between 250 and 300 people three times a week—and runs Happy Care Home, where she looks after seven children, alongside her own two.
Her Big Ask: Food (especially non-perishables and fresh produce), blankets, gas, and electricity.
No fluff. No overthinking. Just real needs, from people doing extraordinary work with very little.
It struck us how easy it is to underestimate the impact of something small - a potato peeler, a blanket, a bag of veggies... But in the right hands, these things become meals, warmth, care.
They become dignity.
Maybe there’s something we can all take from this: To be a little braver in asking, and a little more attentive in listening. Because sometimes, changing someone’s world starts with something as simple as hearing their ask, and answering it.
How you can help
Whether your 1% is R10 or R1000, it doesn’t matter - a culture of giving back is what counts. Our small team has learned that a little really goes a long way; most of our work is fuelled by elbow grease, creativity, and a keen desire to do good. Every bit of support helps us continue transforming lives, uplifting communities, and caring for the voiceless - both human and animal alike.
We welcome contributions of all kinds. You can support us by:
- Donations of any size – every rand counts!
- Non-perishable food, fresh veggies
- Plants/cuttings, and gardening supplies
- Clothes, knitwear, linen, homeware, furniture
- Sharing your skills – builders, gardeners, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, handymen (and women!)… we’ll happily put your talents to use.
When in doubt, just reach out and ask — there’s always a way to make a difference!
For monetary donations:
The One Percent Movement
FNB 62924632749 (Gold Business)
Branch: 250655
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
DONATE NOW
If you would like more information on our current projects or want to get involved, please contact Juanita Berry:
juanita@essentiallynatural.co.za