Rainbows and Smiles

Rainbows and Smiles is a community-based, charitable foundation dedicated to providing emotional, social and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening illness, and their families and caregivers. Our organisation is inspired by the life of Jed Brady Suckling, son of Bonita Suckling, our founder. Jed bravely battled a brain cancer called Anaplastic Astrocytoma for more than three years. Rainbows and Smiles was inspired by Jed’s love language of giving gifts, and was established in 2009. Over the years the organisation has grown, but our inspiration is never forgotten, and we remain an approachable and welcoming charity. Today, volunteers in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg and Durban continue the mission of Rainbows and Smiles across those cities and have provided support to hundreds of children and their families. We work with healthcare professionals at various treatment centres to assist where we can with complementary support and care for child cancer warriors and their families. We are not funded by government, and rely on the generosity of our supporters and the passion of our volunteers to enable us to do the work we do. We raise funds primarily through sporting events that our supporters participate in, getting friends and family to sponsor their participation. In addition, we host various other fundraising initiatives and events, and welcome donations from corporates as well.