- Rainbow of Hope’s annual “Knight for a Princess” event teaches vulnerable children about respect, love, and healthy relationships through a magical night of elegance.
- Despite a lack of funds threatening to cancel the event, Engen’s R5 000 grant, along with a bake sale organised by the children, ensured its success.
- The event goes beyond just one night, instilling valuable lessons in the children that they carry with them long after the evening ends.
In a world where hardship often overshadows the brightness of childhood, there exists a sanctuary of hope in Goodwood, called Rainbow of Hope. This non-profit organisation, dedicated to protecting vulnerable children, has made it its mission to create a safe, loving environment for those who have experienced severe abuse.
One of their most cherished traditions is the annual Knight for a Princess event – a magical evening designed to teach the boys and girls in their care about respect, dignity and the importance of healthy relationships, especially when it comes to dating.
For years, the event offers them a glimpse of a better future, one where they are treated with kindness and respect. However, this year presented a significant challenge. Due to a lack of funding, the event was in jeopardy. It seemed like the night that so many looked forward to might not happen.
A generous R5 000 grant from Engen
That’s when Pranisha Mehilal, a dedicated volunteer at Rainbow of Hope for the past decade, stepped in. As an employee of Engen, Pranisha knew about the company’s Employee Community Partnership Programme, which allows employees to raise funds for causes close to their hearts. For the fifth consecutive year, Pranisha used her connections and passion to secure a generous R5 000 grant from Engen to cover essential costs for the event.
“I have seen the transformation this event brings to the children,” says Pranisha.
“Many of them come from backgrounds where violence is normal, and through Knight for a Princess, we teach them that they deserve better – gentleness, kindness and respect.”
Rainbow of Hope’s project manager, Alison Alexander, echoed Pranisha’s sentiment. “For many of these children this event is the first time they experience being treated with love and care in a setting that feels like a fairytale,” she shares. “It’s not just about the dinner, the clothes, or the evening itself. It’s about teaching these children that they are worth more than the circumstances they were born into.”
Thanks to Engen’s support, the children will enjoy an evening of elegance, complete with dinner, smart clothing, and transportation. Alison notes how the event’s impact goes far beyond just one night. “What they learn here stays with them,” she explains.
Never settle for less
This was the seventh Knight for a Princess event. “I realised that as kids we base our ideas of what marriage should look like on what we see at home. I remember a 9-year-old girl telling me all she remembered of her time with her parents was violence and screaming and crying,” says Alexander. She then thought about a Knight for a Princess. The children begin to understand that they never need to settle for less than what they deserve, says Alexander
In addition to Engen’s donation, the children themselves contributed. With the help of two interns from the South African College of Applied Psychology, they raised R5 500 through a bake sale, ensuring that they had more than enough to cover the rest of the event costs. Their hard work and determination showcased the value of community and resilience.
Rainbow of Hope’s Knight for a Princess is more than just an event. It is a beacon of light for children whose lives have been marked by darkness.
