Dr Shaheda Omar leads the Teddy Bear Foundation to victory.  What a night to remember! Last night, beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Sandton Convention Centre, with the Honorable Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pammy Majodina, delivering a powerful keynote, the Standard Bank Top Women Awards celebrated South Africa’s most impactful women and organizations. And then the moment arrived that left us speechless: The Teddy Bear Foundation was named Most Highly Commended Organization in social service. WE WON!

This award is so much more than a trophy. It is thunderous recognition from Standard Bank and the business community that says: “We see you. We see the precious children you protect, heal and fight for every single day. We see the life-changing work you do.” This is the work they saw last night: At the Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF), we are one of the only organizations in South Africa that offers a complete, FREE, one-stop child protection and healing service under one roof:

• Forensic Assessments & Court Preparation – Medico-legal evaluations and expert court support so children never have to tell their story more times than necessary.
• Therapeutic Services – Trauma-focused therapy (play therapy, art therapy, EMDR, family therapy) for children and non-offending caregivers.
• Diversion Programmes – Nationally accredited rehabilitation programmes for young people who have displayed harmful sexual behavior, giving them a second chance instead of a criminal record.
• Prevention & Education – School-based Life Skills programmes reaching over 40,000 children every year, teaching bodily autonomy, boundaries and how to speak up.
• Community Outreach & Training – Training teachers, social workers, police and communities on how to recognize, respond to and prevent child abuse.
  Crisis Intervention & 24-hour Support – Immediate response when a child discloses abuse.

Everything is offered at no cost to the child or family. Ever!

Because no child should have to pay to be safe. That is what set us apart last night. That is what the judges honored. That is what you, our donors, partners and supporters make possible every single day. A Heartfelt Thank You to Standard Bank, the incredible organizers, our partners, donors and every champion of children thank you. Your belief in this model of holistic, free, expert care is what keeps our doors open and our teddy bears in little arms. Huge congratulations to every phenomenal Top Woman celebrated last night what an honor for Dr Shaheda Omar to be counted among you! You inspire us all.

To Everyone Fighting the Good Fight

If you’re out there protecting, healing and advocating for South Africa’s children, know this: You are seen! Your work matters! And together, we ARE the change. Last night wasn’t just about an award. It was proof that hope wins. Love wins. And every child deserves the very best we can give. Here’s to continuing the fight, louder, stronger and more determined than ever. With boundless gratitude,

The Teddy Bear Foundation Family

(Led by one incredibly proud Dr Shaheda Omar!)