A Night on the Streets: U-Turn raises over R1 million to tackle homelessness
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Media
In a powerful show of solidarity, compassion, and community, U-Turn's nights on the Streets campaign raised over R1 million to support homeless rehabilitation programs across South Africa.
This brings the combined total for the 2024 and 2025 campaigns to a remarkable R1.922 million.
The event, held on May 17 at BMW SMG in Cape Town, was more than a fundraiser; it was a night of storytelling, empathy, and collective action.
Attendees gave up their comfort for one night to sleep outside, connecting with the lived experiences of those who face homelessness every day.
'This kind of sacrifice speaks volumes about your character and your hearts,' said Matthew James, Dealer Principal of SMG BMW, who also confirmed the final total.
'I can't believe I'm about to say this, but we have raised R1,125,000.'
Colleen Lewis, U-Turn's founder, shared the deeply personal story of how the movement began on her own pavement in 1997.
'It started with just one ordinary woman from the 'burbs who had the love of Jesus in her heart,' she said.
'One person can make a difference.'
Her story of two individuals living on the street led to a transformation that now serves thousands each year through U-Turn's recovery model.
Jean-Ray Knighton-Fitt, U-Turn's CEO, described the night as an act of empathy rather than a simulation of street life.
'We're not trying to experience what it is to be homeless, but in some small way, we will wake up tomorrow morning different,' he said.
'U-Turn looks at each person as a person of value, with potential, and the ability to overcome their circumstances.'
The evening also featured powerful remarks from Lance Witten, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Online, U-Turn's media partner.
He spoke about IOL's Elevate Her campaign, which aims to highlight and humanise the stories of homeless individuals, particularly women.
He recalled the story of Patricia Geyser, who was reunited with her daughter after 27 years through a video.
'That's the power that we have as media. And it is our responsibility to use that power,' he said
Leila Suleiman introduced the MyChange voucher system, an innovative program that allows individuals to give responsibly.
'It's giving someone a hand up, not just a hand down,' she said, explaining how vouchers are exchanged at U-Turn centers for food, clothing, showers, or safe spaces.
Participants also took part in 'voucher earning' activities, mirroring the steps U-Turn clients go through to access support services, and were rewarded with meals and blankets using earned vouchers.
The event was closed with a stirring musical performance by 'As One', a group whose heartfelt songs provided a powerful and emotional soundtrack to the evening, echoing the night's themes of dignity, hope, and transformation.
As the lights dimmed and attendees settled in for their night outside, a message echoed through the courtyard: 'This isn't just about sleeping outside. It's about seeing the humanity in someone else. It's about being a thread in the broken fabric of society, sewing it back together.'
From the founders to the funders, from the storytellers to the singers, A Night on the Street 2025 was a celebration of empathy in action, and a resounding declaration that no one is too small to make a difference.
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