When I first walked into Green Wing at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home, I saw the smile on Lebo’s face. A four year old with cerebral palsy, she was admitted to LITTLE EDEN a year ago.

“Seeing her smiling at me with those bright eyes, full of joy and life, filled my heart with so many joyful emotions. It felt like our souls connected.”

Elena Fiorino, who first came to volunteer at LITTLE EDEN seven years ago, recently returned for a second stint.

Initially, she wasn’t quite sure how to interact with the residents. But as the days passed, she found that everything just came naturally.

“I was so touched and infected by their enthusiasm towards the smallest gesture and their positivity towards their daily challenges,” she said. “When I returned this year, I thought many of the residents wouldn’t remember me – but to my surprise, I was wrong.

“It was such a wonderful feeling, seeing all these angels coming towards me for a hug,” she said. “Nothing can compare to their tight hugs or their warm beaming smile, which makes you understand that what really matters in our lives is something you cannot get with money, but by giving time.”

Elena embraces these words from the prayer of St Francis of Assisi, which we have adopted as the special prayer for LITTLE EDEN: “For it is in giving that we receive.”

We are so thankful to all those who ‘give’ to LITTLE EDEN – whether it is their time, like Elena, their prayers, or their financial support. You are all part of our LITTLE EDEN family and our children’s smiles are for you!