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FOR THE COMMON GOOD

MAMA Angel is well on the way to realising her objectives this year.

MAMA Angel is well on the way to realising her objectives this year.

Mama Angel is a community outreach programme that assists - on a once-off basis - non-governmental organisations in crisis.

Sowetan discovered that many community projects often suffered when their budgets shrank - due to late payments by thegovernment or sponsors.

NGOs sometimes have to wait for months while their budgets, projections and expenditures are scrutinised before being approved, and that's when Mama Angel comes to the rescue.

"Investing in your community is a great way to give back to those who have helped support your business. Volunteer groups and non-profit organisations do so much to help the communities that all of us are a part of, but they can't do it alone," says Lindi Obose, Mama Angel's alter ego.

"We have a responsibility to help those that are less fortunate and also to contribute to the common good."

Mama Angel opened in 2005, providing bridging funds to obtain food and blankets. She has since branched into outfitting soup kitchens, supplying material for handicrafts, helping start-up businesses and providing school uniforms and toys to handicapped children.

Sowetan has also helped in renovating centres for the aged and children's drop-ins. We have provided shelter for those whose homes burnt down, given school uniforms and sports equipment to township schools and clubs.

"We try to remind the people that they are not alone in their pain and misery, that this community - comprising Sowetan and its readers - know about and share in their pain," Obose said.

"It is wonderful to meet all the people who work for the community, people who do not need to boast about their good works.

"All they are interested in is that the children go to school and have a good meal. They often begrudge the time they have to spend away from orphaned and vulnerable children."

Though the contribution from Mama Angel is modest, she alleviates the hardship faced by many and provides them with a platform to secure more funds.

Mama Angel has been everywhere in Southern Africa whenever she is called to help. Anyone with a genuine problem can write in and ask for assistance.

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