Our Vision
That orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa are valued, protected, and empowered to reach their dreams.
Our Mission
We support orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa by working in partnership with community-based organizations.
Completing Our Mission, One Starfish At A Time
In 2001, a group of South African friends living in London, disheartened by the rising number of HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa, decided that something had to be done.
Inspired by the Starfish Parable, they resolved to begin helping one child at a time, and so the Starfish Greathearts Foundation was born.
An old man walking along the shore noticed that millions of starfish had been washed up overnight. He noticed a young child picking up starfish and gently throwing them into the ocean.
“Child,” he asked, “what are you doing?”
“The sun is coming up, the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in, they will die.” The child responded.
“Don’t you see?” responded the old man, “There are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference.”
The young child listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean saying,
"It made a difference to that one."
Adapted from the story, "The Star Thrower" by Karen Eiseley
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Edward Cottrell
Board Chair
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Sebastian Walker
Board Chair
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Adv Terry-Lynne Killops
Board Chair
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Ursula Schliessler
Board Member
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Chris Kotze
Board Member
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Danielle Olivier
Board Member
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Matthew Houlton
Board Member
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Rachel Pillai
Board Member
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James Siswick
Board Member
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Heather Muir Johnson
Board Member
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Brett Clarence
Board Member
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Justine Mannering
Board Member
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Fraser Janse van Rensburg
Board Member
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Antonio Piraino
Board Member
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Asanda Magawu
Board Member
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Brad Foster
Board Member
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Theodore Gillman
Board Member
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Nils Von Klemperer
Board Member
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Fhatuwani Managa, MBA
Board Member
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Dr Jessica Price
Board Member
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Elinor Middleton
Chief Executive Officer
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Candice Behrens
Chief Executive Officer
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Marlize Adair
Director of Philanthropy & Communications
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Valerie Hammond
Board Member
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Dave J van der Merwe
Board Member
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Lesego Mokoene
Projects Manager
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Mpiliso Skosana
Partnerships & Engagement Officer
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Thuso Matsheru
M&E Officer
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Sian Dhewnanan
Administrator & Events Coordinator
- Xelda Rohrbeck is a visionary and deeply compassionate leader whose career in the non-profit sector reflects both her expertise and her unwavering commitment to social impact. With many years of experience working to uplift children and marginalized communities, Xelda sees her role not simply as a profession, but as a profound calling. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, restore dignity, and expand opportunities for vulnerable individuals is what inspires her each day.
Throughout her career, she has developed a wide-ranging skill set encompassing strategic planning, governance, donor development, organizational leadership, and advocacy at both national and international levels. Her thoughtful, values-driven approach has enabled her to strengthen institutions, build trusted partnerships, and guide teams toward shared missions.
Before joining the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, Xelda served as the Chief Executive Officer of LITTLE EDEN Society, where she led with empathy, vision, and an unwavering focus on the well-being of the children and adults in their care.
Xelda holds a B.Com Honours degree in Strategic Management from the University of Johannesburg, equipping her with the academic foundation that complements her practical leadership experience and passion for service.
" data-social="https://www.linkedin.com/in/xelda-rohrbeck-51a1a4171/" data-job="Chief Executive Officer" data-img="https://starfish-greathearts.org/hubfs/Xelda%20%20(1).png">Xelda Rohrbeck is a visionary and deeply compassionate leader whose career in the non-profit sector reflects both her expertise and her unwavering commitment to social impact. With many years of experience working to uplift children and marginalized communities, Xelda sees her role not simply as a profession, but as a profound calling. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, restore dignity, and expand opportunities for vulnerable individuals is what inspires her each day.
Throughout her career, she has developed a wide-ranging skill set encompassing strategic planning, governance, donor development, organizational leadership, and advocacy at both national and international levels. Her thoughtful, values-driven approach has enabled her to strengthen institutions, build trusted partnerships, and guide teams toward shared missions.
Before joining the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, Xelda served as the Chief Executive Officer of LITTLE EDEN Society, where she led with empathy, vision, and an unwavering focus on the well-being of the children and adults in their care.
Xelda holds a B.Com Honours degree in Strategic Management from the University of Johannesburg, equipping her with the academic foundation that complements her practical leadership experience and passion for service.
" data-social="https://www.linkedin.com/in/xelda-rohrbeck-51a1a4171/" data-job="Chief Executive Officer" data-img="https://starfish-greathearts.org/hubfs/Xelda%20%20(1).png" src="https://starfish-greathearts.org/hubfs/Xelda%20%20(1).png" alt="Xelda Rohrbeck poster">Xelda Rohrbeck
Chief Executive Officer
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