As the homeless advocacy organization Souper Troopers marks its 10th anniversary on June 7, 2024, founder Kerry Hoffman, her dedicated team, and many of the individuals they have supported are preparing for a special 10km walk through the heart of Cape Town. This walk, starting and ending at The Humanity Hubâtheir operational base in Woodstockâwill trace their steps through significant areas of Woodstock and the Cape Town CBD, where Souper Troopers has made a notable impact over the past decade.
This event isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a stride toward sustainability. With over 14,000 individuals living on the streets of Cape Town, the need for such transformative efforts remains high. “This 10km walk celebrates our journey and the transformations we’ve witnessed, but it also serves a critical fundraising purpose,” explains Hoffman. A crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy to support this anniversary event has already raised nearly R50,000 from 29 donors, pushing toward a target of R200,000.
The funds raised are vital for continuing the comprehensive support services offered at The Humanity Hub, where individuals receive not just the essentialsâlike food, clothing, and toiletriesâbut also access to counseling, skills training, medical referrals, and much more. “Every rand donated is a step towards ensuring that more people can receive the help they need to turn their lives around,” says Hoffman.
Odette Oliver, who spent many years on the streets of Cape Town, shares her life-changing experience with Souper Troopers. âSouper Troopers helped me to see my self-worth and supported my journey to sobriety and independence. I am so proud that I can pay my bills and be a responsible mother to my child. What sets Souper Troopers apart is that we treat everyone with love, respect, and understanding, which gives each of us the confidence to tackle any challenges that come our way,â says Odette.
The inspiration for Souper Troopers came from Hoffman’s personal life changes and her desire to redirect her compassion from personal relationships to communal care, starting with simple acts of kindness like distributing soup and sandwiches. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” a quote from Nelson Mandela, echoes as a mantra for the organization, reminding them of the impact even the smallest gestures can have.
As they look back on a decade of service, Souper Troopers not only celebrates their achievements but also calls on the community for continued support. Everyone is encouraged to get involved, whether by participating in the walk and seeking sponsorships or by donating directly to their BackaBuddy campaign. Each donation will be matched by an anonymous benefactor, effectively doubling the potential impact.
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To support Souper Troopersâ commemorative walk, visit their campaign page at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/10for10-2024~2
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Campaign video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzXCVwmjLiI&t=1s
