Help us Grow a Future (MoP Mushroom Farm)
A Home Full of Hope. A Farm Full of Possibility.
Nestled in the heart of the Illovo Valley, Mother of Peace children’s home is more than just a shelter—it’s a place of healing, education, and growth for vulnerable children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or removed from unsafe environments.
Mother of Peace is a registered non-profit that provides a safe, loving environment for over 60 children. Our mission has always been to nurture, educate, and empower every child who walks through our doors, with a model of one mother to 6 children, per house.
But like many non-profit’s, financial sustainability is one of our biggest challenges.
The Solution: Sustainable Farming Projects 🌱 🍄
We currently sell 800 chickens a month to the local community and are thrilled to launch a new self-income generating initiative—an oyster mushroom farm that not only supports MoP financially but also feed our children and teaches them valuable agricultural and entrepreneurial skills.
Why oyster mushrooms?
✅ Healthy food for our children
✅ They grow fast and sustainably
✅ They are a highly nutritious meat alternative
✅ They are sought-after by the local vegetarian community
✅ We already have established demand at local markets
This isn’t just a dream—we’ve done the groundwork. We’ve successfully piloted the farm and built relationships at the local markets who are eager for consistent supply. Now we need your help to scale up and turn this into a fully functioning, income-generating operation that can support our children for years to come.
Expertise in Growing Oyster Mushrooms 🍄
Ugan Pillay, a highly experienced mushroom grower has collaborated with Mother of Peace to provide the training, skills development and market connections. Ugan has over 15 years of experience managing his own Oyster Mushroom farm. Impacted from Covid he sold his farm and transitioned into training, aiming to establish the first government-accredited mushroom training facility in partnership with MoP.
What We Need 💛
We’re raising R500,000 (approximately $25,500 USD) to expand the project. Here’s where your donation will go:
- 💧 Climate-controlled growing rooms for year-round production
- 🧪 Growing materials: spawn, substrate bags and sterilization tools
- 🛠️ Basic equipment and tools for cutting, pruning, drying
- 🚚Transportation to local markets and buyers
- 🥼 Pasteurization and packing equipment – for hygienic, efficient processing
- 🔐Full security system – to protect the children and the farm
- 🧊 Walk-in fridge – to preserve mushroom freshness for market sales
- 🚿Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant – for clean, safe growing water
- 📚 Training workshops for our caregivers and youth
Every rand or dollar goes directly into building this project—not just as a farm, but as a foundation for our children’s future.
You are welcome to visit anytime, just “Google Mother of Peace Illovo”
Your Impact 🌍
By supporting our mushroom farm, you’re not just funding a business—you’re investing in:
- Long-term sustainability for a children’s home
- Job creation in our local community
- Skills development for our youth aging out of care
- Affordable, healthy food for local families
We know there are many causes out there, but we believe in solutions that uplift both people and the planet. Our mushroom farm is small, but the impact is mighty—with your support, it can blossom into something life-changing as it will make Mother of Peace completely self-sufficient for years to come as the farm will generate all the income required.
Please Note: We can issue a section 18A tax certificate, so your donation is tax deductible.
👉 Donate now
👉 Share with your friends and family
👉 Be part of our community
From all of us at Mother of Peace, thank you for believing in our children and in the power of community-driven change.
Let’s grow hope—together.
(or) BANKING DETAILS
Name: Mother of Peace Illovo
Bank: FNB (First National Bank)
Account Number: 62085504267
Branch Code: 250655
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ