Love Story

Love Story Foundation was founded in 2012 by Elaine and Luke Watson with a simple but powerful belief: that every person, regardless of their circumstances, is deeply loved and worthy of dignity and care. Born out of Christian faith and community conviction, Love Story has grown from a small feeding initiative into one of Gqeberha's most impactful welfare organisations — partnering with over 70 community projects, reaching 33 community leaders, serving over 66,000 meals monthly, and delivering a total of more than 5.2 million meals since 2020.

Their approach is collaborative, not paternalistic: they strengthen and equip already-existing community projects rather than duplicating them, recognising that the most effective support is built alongside communities, not imposed from the outside.

While Love Story is not a GBV crisis service, they are profoundly relevant to survivors dealing with poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and isolation — the conditions that frequently trap women in dangerous situations and complicate recovery.

What They Offer Survivors and Vulnerable Families

Community Soup Kitchens — 29 Sites Love Story supplies food ingredients and gas to 29 community soup kitchens across Gqeberha — providing daily hot meals to thousands of individuals and families. If you or your children are hungry, there is likely a Love Story-supported kitchen near you.

Love Sandwiches — 22 Early Learning Centres Over 256,000 sandwiches have been delivered to school children since 2021. The programme currently serves 22 Early Learning Centres — ensuring children in impoverished communities receive nutrition every school day.

Women's Support Group (Walmer Township) Love Story runs a dedicated support group for women off the street — particularly women from the Walmer Township community. The group provides a safe, consistent space for women who are isolated, homeless, or in distress to connect, be heard, and receive ongoing support. This is one of Love Story's most directly survivor-relevant programmes.

Hospital Outreach — Gift Bags for New Mothers Love Story visits hospitals and provides new mothers with gift bags containing essential baby items — a practical expression of support for mothers who have nothing. Particularly relevant to young, homeless, or abuse-surviving mothers who arrive at hospital without resources.

Love Gardens — Food Security and Self-Sufficiency Community vegetable gardens are planted and maintained across Gqeberha — providing fresh produce to families and building food independence. Families and community groups are trained in sustainable gardening practices.

Edu-Libraries — Early Childhood Development Bookshelves filled with educational equipment are supplied to Early Learning Centres across the city — supporting children's holistic development in communities where educational resources are scarce.

Buckets of Blessing Gift buckets filled with non-perishable food items are distributed during peak need periods (especially the festive season) to assist families in crisis.

Community Havens — Likusasa Lomama and Ekuphumleni Love Story supports two community hubs: Likusasa Lomama, which runs a daily nutrition centre, backyard vegetable gardens, sewing and beading, and community healthcare services; and Ekuphumleni, which runs a garden, early learning centre, sewing project, and youth programmes including netball and a brass band.

Love Story is based in Gqeberha. For support or to connect with their programmes, call +27 79 444 5666 or visit www.lovestory.org.za.