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- News24 donated various items to Children of Fire in celebration of 30-year-old Dorah Jones' birthday.
- Bronwen Jones, who took Dorah in, launched Children of Fire in 1997, a non-profit organisation empowering young burns survivors in Africa.
- She urged the community to visit the organisation's website and donate.
The air in Coronationville, Johannesburg, buzzed with children's vibrant chatter and laughter as members of the community crowded the narrow, bustling streets to celebrate the 30th birthday of resilient burns survivor, Dorah Jones.
Thirty years ago, in Coronationville, she was just six months old when she became caught in a shack fire that claimed the lives of her siblings and caused injuries to her body that were so severe, she had to undergo 35 surgeries.
Medical predictions were that she wouldn't survive to see her 30th birthday but, with the odds against her, she proved them wrong.
Bronwen Jones took her in at a young age and provided a warm, loving home for her and other children who suffered similar fates.
Jones said a profound sense of human connection between her and six-month-old Dorah had prompted her to react immediately.
She felt like she was seeing her child or sister in Dorah and couldn't bear the thought of leaving her in such a dire situation.
Jones founded non-profit organisation Children of Fire to empower young burns survivors in Africa. The initiative not only aids and educates communities these survivors call home, but champions both prevention and healing.
News24 made much-needed donations to the organisation.
News24 managing editor Mpho Raborife said:
Two hundred chairs were donated, as well as 12 tablecloths, 200 juices and plates to celebrate Dorah.
Jones said: "Dorah embodies the essence of a superhero and stands as the ultimate survivor, defying all odds when no one believed she could survive. Her ordeal unfolded in a shack hidden away in Coronationville, where streets have no names, emerging from the flames when hope seemed lost."
Tshidi Plaatjie, a Coronationville resident, added: "The bond between Bronwen and Dorah is deeply respected within our community. Bronwen has been a fixture in Coronationville for years, truly becoming one with us."
Seiso Ratswana, Nelson Tshabalala, and Tshepiso Maimela, who live with Jones and see Dorah as their sister, donned pink T-shirts sporting the words: "Happy Birthday Dorah."
Ratswana described Dorah as a bubbly and direct person who enjoys listening to the radio.
Tshabalala warmly reminisced about playful food fights with Dorah, in which she invariably emerged victorious, and said pink was Dorah's most cherished colour.
READ | Joburg-based burn survivor pleads for help to fly to KZN for reconstructive surgery
Maimela said: "Dorah is a quiet person who enjoys playing and doing exercises."
Jones appealed to members of the community to take a moment to visit the non-profit organisation's website and contribute to the cause - a gesture that could change lives and make a profound difference.
