A mother's wish that will change hundreds of young lives this Christmas

When Crystal Viljoen wrote to Hot Cares, she did so as a mom who had seen her sons transform from feeling misunderstood to truly thriving.

Her 13-year-old twins, Brody and Logan, attend Con Amore School in Kempton Park, a remarkable institution supporting children with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. What Crystal shared was not just a plea for help — it was a love letter to a school that had given her boys the chance to shine.

Brody, quiet by nature, proudly joined the Field Band Foundation. Logan, who once struggled with confidence, stood on stage this year and performed an individual poem at the Eisteddfod.

For Crystal, these were milestones she once thought impossible.

But she also shared a heartbreaking reality: Con Amore is doing extraordinary work with far fewer resources than they need, caring for more than 500 learners with conditions ranging from autism and cerebral palsy to Down syndrome, epilepsy, and a range of developmental challenges. Many of these families come from low-income households, and the school carries the enormous responsibility of providing not only education, but transport, therapy, nutrition, and daily care.

And right now, they are facing a challenge that directly affects some of their most vulnerable learners.

A Simple Ramp — A Life-Changing Gift

As the Department of Education sends more wheelchair-using learners to Con Amore, the school finds itself unable to move these children safely and independently between classrooms and key areas. Staff members currently have to lift or manoeuvre wheelchairs up stairs — an unsafe and exhausting process that puts strain on caregivers and limits the children’s freedom.

What they desperately need is something that, to the outside world, may seem simple: a wheelchair ramp.

But to these children, it’s so much more.

A ramp is independence.
A ramp is safety.
A ramp is dignity.
A ramp is belonging.

It means rolling into class next to your friends, instead of being carried.
It means participating in therapy and lessons without delay or fear.
It means being seen, included, and valued.

For parents like Crystal, a ramp is reassurance that the world is ready to welcome their child — not shut them out.

And for the school, it’s a sign they are future-ready and able to properly receive the wheelchair-bound learners being placed in their care.

Hot Cares Christmas Steps In

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our listeners this Christmas, Hot Cares is thrilled to announce that we will be funding the construction of this vital wheelchair ramp — to the value of up to R80 000.

This contribution will ensure that Con Amore’s learners in wheelchairs can move safely and confidently throughout the school — accessing classrooms, therapy spaces, playgrounds, and communal areas without barriers.

For these children, it’s not just concrete and steel.
It’s freedom.
It’s empowerment.
It’s the chance to learn, grow, laugh, and simply be part of their school community.

Because Every Child Deserves a Future Without Barriers

At Hot Cares, one of our core pillars is supporting education — and especially the incredible schools and organisations shaping the futures of children with special needs. Con Amore embodies everything we believe in: compassion, dedication, and a belief that every child has potential.

This Christmas, we are honoured to stand beside them as they continue this life-changing work.