A Day in the Life of Lynne Anthony: Championing community support

As part of our ongoing series, A Day in the Life of a Community Leader, we highlight individuals and organisations making a difference at grassroots level across our communities.

Last week, we featured Clive Jacobs ("Exploring community leadership through the eyes of Clive Jacobs"). 

This week, we feature Lynne Anthony, co-founder who partnered with the late George March of Georgie’s Angels, a community-based organisation known for its unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable families and residents in need in areas including Grassy Park, Ottery, Lotus River, and Philippi informal settlements.

Founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated volunteers led by Lynne and the late George March, Georgie’s Angels has grown into a beacon of hope and support, driven by compassion, resilience, and a deep sense of community responsibility.

Georgie’s Angels work across various informal settlements, schools, and old-age homes in our surrounding communities, prioritising areas where families, children, and the elderly need support the most.

“Our focus is on reaching those who are often overlooked and ensuring that no one in our community is left behind.”

A typical day is a balancing act between full-time work and community service, driven by a deep commitment to helping those in need.

I work full time, and in my spare time - early mornings, evenings, and weekends - I dedicate myself to Georgie’s Angels. My work includes sourcing donations from retailers and non-profit partners, preparing and distributing food such as sandwiches and cooked meals, collecting and sorting clothing, and assembling care packs for old-age homes. We also support schools by providing sanitary towels and sandwiches to learners who need them most.

“Each morning I ask myself, ‘Which settlement can we help this week?’” she said, adding that careful planning is needed to make the most of limited resources.

How does she balance administrative work with being physically present in the community?

“I make sure to attend every distribution personally, and I handle the admin work in the evenings,” she said, noting that annual meetings with a tax consultant keep the organisation compliant.

Resource limitations are a constant challenge for Georgie’s Angels.

“We prioritise areas based on urgency and make every donation count,” she said, stretching what they have as far as possible.

Every day holds a reminder of why she chose community work.

“Even the smallest act of kindness can restore dignity,” said Ms Anthony, and she added that everyone deserves at least the bare minimum.

Managing the emotional toll of community work requires perspective. “Helping more people fuels me - it doesn’t drain me,” she said, “seeing lives changed gives me strength and purpose.”

Her daily work is strengthened by a dedicated team and community partners.

“My volunteers are the backbone of Georgie’s Angels, and local spokespersons help us reach the families who need us most,” she said.

Even small tasks can have a big impact behind the scenes.

“Documenting every donation and distribution may seem administrative, but it builds trust and credibility with donors,” said Ms Anthony.

Her routine changes instantly when urgent needs arise.

“If a family or camp faces a crisis, we drop everything to get help to them immediately,” she said, describing late-night calls, sudden pickups, and quickly assembled food parcels.

At the end of each day, her heart is full from the small moments that make a real difference. “Even if just one child has a meal, one elderly person receives dignity through a care pack, or one family feels seen and supported - that is what gives me peace,” she said. “It’s never about how much we give, but the impact it has on someone’s life.”

To volunteer or donate, contact Ms Anthony at 082 871 4828.

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