What follows is a truly remarkable story that unravels across Philadelphia, Florida, Londolozi and now, Hazyview. The events – as they have unfolded – have touched lives in ways that no-one could ever have imagined. From a chance meeting at Londolozi seven years ago, to a young girl’s dream of being able to make a difference in the lives of Africa’s children. This is the story of the Leanna Knopik Cup and how it arrived in the hands of the son of a Londolozi Tracker.
Londolozi 2011
Just over three years ago, 15-year old Florida-native, Leanna Knopik, threw her arms up in delight as she and her family – led by Londolozi Ranger James Tyrrell – crossed the Londolozi causeway. Londolozi Executive Chef, Anna Ridgewell, says it best: “I don’t think Leanna knew to what extent she would fall in love with the people and the wildlife here. After a couple of days here, there was little doubt that she would one day use her enormous generosity of spirit to support positive change in rural communities. I believe it was meant to be.”
Leanna Knopik (back right) with her family at Londolozi in 2011.
Londolozi 2007
Four years before Leanna’s visit, a Philadelphia-based family met one of Londolozi’s longstanding Trackers: Freddie Ngobeni. Many readers will know Freddie: soft-spoken, intelligent and a passionate interpreter of the bush. A lasting friendship was formed, and, at the end of the family’s visit, Londolozi’s education partner, Good Work Foundation (GWF), was on course to set up its first ever scholarship fund so that Freddie’s children would always have access to exceptional education opportunities.
A beautiful portrait of the Master Tracker Freddy Ngobeni.
Florida 2012
In July, aged 16, Leanna passed away suddenly after contracting a rare heart infection. In the spirit of her heart’s wishes, the All Heart Fund was created in 2013, in collaboration with GWF, to provide the resources and education necessary to enhance the lives of rural African families. In addition, one special GWF student was be chosen annually to receive the Leanna Knopik Cup, an award honouring the student with the biggest “heart”.
The All Heart Fund’s Leanna Knopik Cup at home at the Good Work Foundation Digital Learning Centre.
Hazyview 2014
The inaugural Leanna Knopik Cup was awarded to Freddie Ngobeni’s son, Shearer, at a graduation ceremony at GWF’s Hazyview Digital Learning Centre on March 14. “Once we had set up the GWF scholarship fund, Shearer became our first student to be given the opportunity to attend one of this province’s best schools” said Good Work Foundation CEO, Kate Groch. “He took the opportunity with both hands and blazed a trail for his two younger brothers to follow and he has all of the qualities we look for in young people: he has a kind, gentle nature and is hard-working and generous of spirit.
Two extraordinarily special women from over the seas have been part of this story. Jenifer and Leanna, this story is for you, with all our love.”
From left: Minah Ngobeni (Shearer’s mother), Kate Groch, Shearer Ngobeni, Gogo Mo Groch and Anna Ridgewell.
It with pleasure, that we finish with this letter addressed to Shearer Ngobeni, from Leanna’s mother, Beth Knopik:
A beautiful letter delivered from Florida to South Africa.
To learn more about the All Heart Fund and Good Work Foundation, go to: www.goodworkfoundation.org.
From heartbreaking to heartwarming.
What a special “All Heart” story from all around the universe!
Congratulations to all that have worked so hard to bring life to the Good Work Foundation
& the All Heart Fund. We are honored to be a part of such a beautiful tribute to Leanna Knopik.
And to celebrate those, touched by an angel! Keep up the great work!!
Thank you Terri and Michael – your work in Sarasota has been a huge part of this vision, and we can’t wait to have you back 🙂
Ryan that is so beautiful no more words needed. Thank you & Congratulations
While it is heart-wrenching still when I look at that photo of us crossing the Sand River in 2011, it is truly inspiring to see the profound impact that Leanna’s spirit is having on those in South Africa that are, in truth, our second family.
You’re right James, that is the most remarkable story. What a wonderful legacy Leanna has left, and across time and heaven, has managed to accomplish her heart’s desire – to make a difference in the lives of Africa’s children. Congratulations Shearer, for all your hard work, kindness and generosity of spirit, and for being the first recipient of the Leanna Knopik Cup award. I’m sure your parents are very proud of you!
Incredible story and a huge congratulations to Shearer for winning the inaugural Leanna Knopik Cup.
Thank you Ryan for an amazing story. I’ve read it over many times always with tears in my eyes. The photo of Shearer, his mother Myna, Kate and Mo will now be prominently adorned in our home. It also is such an honor to be connected to Leanna and her family – the photo of her at Londolozi is both beautiful and heartbreaking – but to know that her spirit lives on is such a gift. Also, we are all so excited to see that people are being honored for having a big heart – heres an idea, in addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, maybe we could start awarding a Nobel BIG HEART Prize! We could use more big hearts around the world, that’s for sure! Although Leanna’s beautiful heart and spirit have been dropped at Hazyview, the ripples will soon be felt all over the world! Again, congratulations to Shearer, the Knopik family, and Hazyview!
Jenifer, you are so right – while we celebrate tangible achievements all the time, we often overlook the generous spirits who spread positive change. Sometimes not obvious, but if you look carefully, quietly profound! The video from the graduation is now available and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndzj8RfDlU8.
Enjoy it, and thanks 🙂
And, I forgot to mention Anna Ridgewell! My apologies! Anna, looking forward to meeting you in June!
My love and congratulations to the Ngobeni family. I fell in love with gentle Freddy in 2010 and have been privileged to ride with him two more times. I’m counting the days until I can return to Londolozi and see him again. How proud he should be of his son. Thanks GWF and the All Heart Fund for making these opportunities available. Thanks, Ryan, for all your stories. Aloha.
A heart-rending and heart-warming story! Congratulations, Shearer and much luck in your challenges ahead!
What a beautiful way to remember a beautiful young lady !
Pay it forward and create a rippling effect to continue to share with others and success with be yours Shearer !
All the very best to you