Almost on a daily basis, parents call or write in to the Daily Voice asking for help for their talented children.
They’re budding soccer and rugby stars, hockey and netball players, dancers and karate kids.
Last week we even told the story of teenage magician Jaydan Correiro, who dreams of becoming a qualified pro.
They come to the Daily Voice because they know our community has big hearts.
Our readers like to help and have made dreams come true - time and again.
So at the Voice, we don’t turn parents away, we publish their appeals.
GOALS: Jaydan Correira
It’s the same story each time. The child excels in their club or school team, and gets selected to compete at national or even international tournaments - in Dallas, Dubai, Manchester, Bulgaria and other exotic destinations.
It’s always an “opportunity of a lifetime”.
They require X-thousand rand for travel, accommodation, sports gear, equipment and spending money.
Or sometimes it’s just a whizz-kid looking for a bursary or sponsor to help them study further.
The proud moms and dads want the best for their laaities, but because times are tough, they can’t afford to give them the opportunities, so they swallow their pride and reach out to the Voice for help.
Each story is one of hope, dreams and determination.
Each story published can change a youngster’s life - and be the difference between a life of success or despair.
You feel for the parents, who sacrifice for their kids and try all sorts of fundraising efforts such as selling boerewors rolls, hosting karaokes and eat and treats.
These are the families who you feel really deserve a helping hand, more so than the ones hoping for a cheque to fall in their laps.
Very often, dreams do indeed come true and it gives us great pleasure to publish follow-up stories in which the grateful families thank the generous donors.
One such happy ending was that of footballer Liam Pieters.
The 13-year-old from Athlone had been selected to take part in the KL Invitational Cup in Malaysia.
BLESSED: Daily Voice donors sponsored Liam Pieters’ trip to Malaysia.
And with the help of anonymous donors and the V&A Waterfront nogal, the Belgravia High kid will be jetting off to Kuala Lumpur next Friday. Kwaai, hey?
Let’s hope fortune will smile on Uzair Sadan, 15, and Kaylin Lategan, 19.
These two ice hockey players have both been chosen to represent South Africa at their respective world championship events in Europe.
You can almost count on the good Samaritans out there to support the two youngsters.
Yet, it begs the question: if they are representing the country, why can’t government provide the funding?
If we can fly a moerse entourage of dignitaries and officials to the Rugby World Cup, where’s the money for Uzair and Kaylin’s teammates?
There’s no doubt that we are a nation of champions - and champs in the making.
SUPPORT: Uzair Sadan, 15
And if we are serious about producing more Siya Kolisis, Caster Semenyas, Wayde van Niekerks and Chad Le Clos, government needs to invest in their future.
And our ministers of sports, arts and culture, need to set up kitties to assist the abundance of young talent in our poorer communities.
Mense shouldn’t have to come knocking on the Voice’s door, cap in hand, for help.