Celebrating Elkana Staff: A Heartfelt Year-End Surprise

By Nicole Neethling | November 22, 2025

There is always that experience, that once it’s done, I think to myself, “Man, I love what I do!”

I felt this way after a surprise end-of-year function with the staff at Elkana Childcare in Malmesbury. This home exists to transform the lives of children who live in severely adverse situations. This staff give of themselves to these children to provide meaningful interaction and protection, which enable these children to go on to lead happier and more balanced lives.

My lovely friend Nadia Sadie, co-owner of one of the most highly regarded wineries in the Swartland, David and Nadia, heads up a children’s church program at Elkana with her team. Not only does this program lay a way forward for the children’s faith and identity, but it also provides leadership support for the staff.

When Nadia suggested doing a Flour & Oil experience with the staff, I was elated to create an experience that would hopefully “feed” and encourage this team, body, mind and spirit.

Watching each face light up as they walked into the pop-up kitchen was delightful. The group became instant influencers, taking videos and photos of each step of the course.

One of the highlights was sharing simple yet meaningful ways to encourage each other daily. We learnt how to be ready to be intentional and meaningful, and how to speak life into each other’s lives. The tears were enough to show that these words were already reaching their mark.

The material gifts, made up of a selection of our Flour and Oil products, that they received seemed to be the cherry on the cake that left tears and smiles on many faces.

My hope for this group, is that they will speak these words of life to every child that goes through their hands.

Thank you, Nadia, for putting this together. May this interaction truly matter!