OUR FOUNDER
WAS Foundation was born on 27 October 2009, when Esmarelda van Zyl began rescuing animals from local townships and finding them loving, approved homes.
In 2011, Esmarelda was honored with Nedbank’s Hero of the Year Award, receiving R10 000. True to her generous heart, she immediately gave it back to the community that had supported her. It was also around this time that Coronation Park, a white township in Krugersdorp, came into her life — and with it, a new purpose.
What started as rescuing abandoned animals soon grew into something bigger. Esmarelda realized that many in her community had no voice, no support, and often went without basic necessities. She decided to stand up for them — to feed the hungry, care for the children, and uplift families struggling to survive.
Since that day, Esmarelda and her dedicated team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring hope, nourishment, and love to the communities they touch — one meal, one child, one family at a time
OUR VISION
Our vision is a world where no family goes hungry and every child has the essentials they need to thrive. We strive to bring hope, nourishment, and support to vulnerable communities, empowering them to grow stronger while always treating each family with dignity, care and respect.
OUR MISSION
No child or family should go to bed hungry. At the WAS Foundation, we make sure that every belly is full, every child is cared for, and every family feels hope.
We provide basic essentials to those who go without — the food, the necessities, the little things that make life possible.
And for the children we serve, we protect, nurture, and guide them, giving them the support and skills they need to dream bigger and build a brighter tomorrow.
Because every child deserves love, care, and a chance to grow into their full potential.
OUR VALUES
Our Values
Guided by Christian principles, we believe in:
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Serving those in need with compassion and humility.
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Treating every person we help with dignity, respect, and kindness.
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Giving from the heart, with love, care, and genuine concern.
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Helping unconditionally, without expectation of reward or recognition.
There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.