A Gifted Suit Helps a Young Man Rebuild and Reclaim His Future
Good Things Guy | 16.02.2026 18:30
We all know what it’s like to need a win. For J, that win started with a gifted suit and ended with a job offer and a future reclaimed!
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 February 2026) – In the thick of rebuilding, whether it’s after a job loss, a personal crisis, or enduring a string of bad luck, the burden of “starting over” can feel overwhelming, if not entirely paralysing. And it’s not that one lacks the will to do the work, but rather that the gap between where they are and where they need to be is wider than their reach.
Recently, South Africans played a wonderful part in the story of a young man known as J, offering a hand up to significantly bridge that gap and move from unemployment to being ready for the job he had been preparing for.
J had connected with the One SMALL Act of Kindness charity, which opened its doors to him. He stayed at the men’s shelter after falling on hard times. Still determined to improve his circumstances, he shared his hope to secure employment despite not having the appropriate clothing to show up for a job interview.
One SMALL Act of Kindness sent out an appeal for men’s suits and smart clothing on their social media platforms, and the response wasn’t just amazing, but truly life-changing for J.
Last Friday, J was able to clean up, dress up and show up for a job interview. He certainly impressed as he shared an update that secured the job and will be moving out of the shelter into his own little space to call home at the end of the month.
“Thank you for showing up for others time and time again. We are so excited for J and his new adventure. This is why we do what we do,” said Kelly-Ann van der Meer, founder of One Small Act of Kindness.
A hand up has changed J’s circumstances from starting over to moving forward. As he prepares for relocation and his new and better chapter, J is hopeful for donations of blankets, a small pot and basics.
For more information, visit the One SMALL Act of Kindness Facebook page or connect via email at info@onesmallactofkindness.org.za
Sources: One SMALL Act of Kindness
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