Why we started
The Helping Hand was started by a South African who moved to the Netherlands, and was struck by how much easier everyday life is there. At home, many families are one bad month away from a dark house, an empty cupboard, or a child kept out of school over unpaid fees.
The amounts are small. What's missing is a simple, trustworthy way for people who want to help to reach a specific family, and to know their money did what it was meant to do.
So we pay bills, not people. Local organisations who already know the families check every need, pay the bill, and send back the receipt.
Where we are today
We're preparing a pilot in South Africa: 20 to 50 families over about six months, with one or two community partners. Donations will be held in trust by a registered South African NPO, which we will name here before launch.Every partner is a registered South African organisation. Anyone, anywhere, can give with a Visa or Mastercard, in rand. This website is in test mode until the pilot starts, so no real money moves yet.
What we believe
Help should be specific
A bill with a name on it, not a general appeal.
Trust has to be earned
Every gift ends with a receipt, and the rules are the same for everyone.
Dignity comes first
First names only, shared with permission. No photos, no handouts in public.
Local people know best
People in the community put forward who needs help. They know the families best.