Alcardo Andrews Foundation celebrates 10 Years of feeding, healing, and empowering Hanover Park

The Alcardo Andrews Foundation, a Hanover Park non-profit tackling gang violence, food insecurity, and gender-based violence, marked 10 years of service.

In addition to celebrating its anniversary, the foundation is preparing for its annual Christmas lunch on Monday, December 16, inviting families, friends, and donors to join.

The organisation was founded in 2015 by Avrill Andrews after her son, Alcardo, was tragically shot and killed in Hanover Park. They believe he was targeted for speaking out against drugs and gangs. His loss inspired Ms Andrews to create a space for healing, empowerment, and community rebuilding.

“Through my son’s death came a purpose - to transform Hanover Park, not through anger but through hope,” Ms Andrews said.

“My experience of loss was one of the most painful experiences of my life. But through that pain, something was birthed in me - a calling to start a movement and bring awareness to what is happening in Hanover Park.”

She also honored police officers who helped in Alcardo’s case at the ball.

Over the past decade, the foundation has served nearly two million meals, supported hundreds of women, and provided safe spaces for children and youth. Operating out of a council flat, they prepare up to 1 000 meals a day.

Their hydroponic gardens teach pupils from Athwood Primary to grow vegetables and share the harvest with their school, said Sean Samson, Foundation member.

Programmes include Moms Move for Justice, supporting more than 100 mothers who have lost children to violence or illness; a Fatherhood Programme, helping men break cycles of toxic masculinity through mentoring and emotional support; and youth projects offering psychosocial care and anti-bullying initiatives, he said.

Mr Samson said the foundation gives residents purpose.

“Hanover Park is often only seen for its violence, but it’s also a place of transformation. Here, you feel part of something meaningful,” he said.

The anniversary celebration culminated in a masquerade ball with performances by singer Vicky Sampson, delighting guests with her song African Dream, as well as Hanover Park singer Hannah Johannisen.

Inspirational words were shared by James Fernie from Uthando SA and Lucinda Evans from Philisa Abafazi Bethu, whose challenge to AAF - to one day build a recreation centre in Hanover Park.

Mothers who lost children approached the stage in a candlelit procession, symbolising lives remembered and hope renewed at the ball.

Donations and support can be made via email: admin@aaf27.org.za or call 067 982 7695.