Shubnam Bhogal.
Image: Supplied
The Aurora Hands of Hope NPO is an official recipient of the Sharks Foundation’s Tries for Tummies programme, marking a milestone in the organisation’s ongoing mission to combat hunger in KZN.
Launched for the 2025/26 rugby season, the initiative by The Sharks Foundation connects on-field performance with community impact.
Every try scored by the Sharks translates into thousands of meals for vulnerable communities.
In recognition of World Hunger Week in October 2025, the foundation doubled its usual output, providing 6,000 nutritious meals per day.
The meals are distributed through a network of community partners, including schools, local authorities, and feeding schemes such as UMhloti Primary School, Seed Fund, Mdletshe Tribal Authorities, and Servings of Grace.
Aurora Hands of Hope now joins this growing coalition working to address food insecurity in the province.
“This honour means everything,” said Shubnam Bhogal, founder of Aurora Hands of Hope NPO.
Our work focuses on hunger alleviation through food parcels, hot meals, and school feeding programmes in eThekwini. Being recognised by The Sharks Foundation validates our mission: no child or family should go hungry. Big or small, we all make a difference, and together, we are feeding hope.”
Bhogal highlighted the initiative's unique impact, which transformed sporting success into tangible support for struggling communities.
“The Sharks Foundation Tries for Tummies initiative is a powerful program where every try scored by the Sharks is converted into meals for communities in need. It is a meaningful way to turn sport into impact, where what happens on the field directly feeds families off the field,” she said.
She added that food insecurity remained a daily challenge for many of the families Aurora served.
“This initiative brings immediate relief by providing meals to those who often go without. It also restores hope and dignity, reminding communities that they are seen and supported.”
The supplies collected for the initiative.
Image: Supplied
Aurora Hands of Hope plays a key role in implementing the programme on the ground, overseeing logistics, safety coordination, and the distribution of food parcels to ensure they efficiently reach the intended beneficiaries. The organisation currently operates across communities, including Phoenix, KwaMashu, Verulam, Tongaat, Chatsworth, and Merewent.
“As a grassroots organisation, we manage the full on-the-ground execution. This ensures that every meal and food parcel reaches the intended beneficiaries across our communities.”
Through the partnership, Aurora is set to receive approximately 740 kilograms of fresh produce alongside essential dry food supplies, significantly boosting its feeding programmes. The additional resources will support daily initiatives such as feeding schemes, bread distributions, water relief efforts, and disaster response for families affected by fires and floods.
Beyond immediate relief, Aurora Hands of Hope is committed to long-term solutions aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. The organisation plans to expand its impact through community soup kitchens, skills development centres, and shelters for vulnerable groups.
“Our vision is to expand our impact by opening community soup kitchens, establishing skills development centres, and creating separate shelters for men, women, and children. These initiatives are essential, but they require sustainable funding and strong partnerships to become a reality.
“Being chosen is not just recognition of our work, but a reminder that the communities we serve matter. It motivates us to keep pushing forward. Hunger is a reality for many, and it is closer than people think. Every act of kindness counts. Together, through unity and compassion, we can fight hunger and uplift our communities,” she said.