Cultivating Kindness: Brad Kruger's Mission to Empower Communities
Loading player...
In a heartfelt conversation on "Joyful Journey Home" from Just Gospel radio, Brad Kruger shared the inspiring story behind his organization, Cultivate Kindness. The initiative, whose slogan is "sowing future seeds," focuses on empowering communities through sustainable farming practices rather than simple handouts.
"We encourage people, we educate them, and we empower them to grow their own food, to learn how to grow, and to grow their communities," Kruger explained. He emphasized that teaching people to provide for themselves offers more than just nutrition—it provides dignity and a sense of accomplishment.
Kruger's passion for community service stems from his childhood, where his father, who served on a school governing body, would send him to school with extra lunches for children in need. Those early experiences of sharing with others planted the seeds for what would eventually become Cultivate Kindness.
The organization gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people couldn't afford essential vitamins and minerals. Kruger saw an opportunity to teach quick crop cultivation, enabling people to grow nutrient-rich foods themselves. "It's not a handout anymore," he noted. "It's 'I did this myself, and I'm proud that this is the plate of food I've given to my family tonight.'"
One of Cultivate Kindness' notable achievements was a partnership with Mayford Seeds, which sponsored a project that ran from late last year until March. The campaign saw tremendous community engagement, with over 600 seed packets distributed to communities across South Africa, reaching as far as Cape Town and Mpumalanga.
For those interested in starting their own gardens this autumn, Kruger recommends winter crops like lettuce, root vegetables (onions, carrots, beetroot), potatoes, beans, and peas. For beginners uncertain about their gardening abilities, he suggests starting with peas or lettuce as they're relatively easy to grow and can be eaten straight from the garden.
Despite working full-time in management at a private Christian school in Brackenhurst, Kruger remains committed to growing Cultivate Kindness. Those interested in connecting with the organization can find them on Facebook and Instagram (@cultivatekindnessjhb) or via email at krugerbrad3@gmail.com.
Kruger's parting message to listeners was one of perseverance: "If you believe in something, there's a reason you believe in it. Don't let the first opportunity that fails think that it's the end. Give it your best... Even if you fail a thousand times, you keep pushing if it's something you believe in."
Through Cultivate Kindness, Brad Kruger isn't just growing vegetables—he's cultivating hope, dignity, and sustainable change in communities across South Africa.
"We encourage people, we educate them, and we empower them to grow their own food, to learn how to grow, and to grow their communities," Kruger explained. He emphasized that teaching people to provide for themselves offers more than just nutrition—it provides dignity and a sense of accomplishment.
Kruger's passion for community service stems from his childhood, where his father, who served on a school governing body, would send him to school with extra lunches for children in need. Those early experiences of sharing with others planted the seeds for what would eventually become Cultivate Kindness.
The organization gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people couldn't afford essential vitamins and minerals. Kruger saw an opportunity to teach quick crop cultivation, enabling people to grow nutrient-rich foods themselves. "It's not a handout anymore," he noted. "It's 'I did this myself, and I'm proud that this is the plate of food I've given to my family tonight.'"
One of Cultivate Kindness' notable achievements was a partnership with Mayford Seeds, which sponsored a project that ran from late last year until March. The campaign saw tremendous community engagement, with over 600 seed packets distributed to communities across South Africa, reaching as far as Cape Town and Mpumalanga.
For those interested in starting their own gardens this autumn, Kruger recommends winter crops like lettuce, root vegetables (onions, carrots, beetroot), potatoes, beans, and peas. For beginners uncertain about their gardening abilities, he suggests starting with peas or lettuce as they're relatively easy to grow and can be eaten straight from the garden.
Despite working full-time in management at a private Christian school in Brackenhurst, Kruger remains committed to growing Cultivate Kindness. Those interested in connecting with the organization can find them on Facebook and Instagram (@cultivatekindnessjhb) or via email at krugerbrad3@gmail.com.
Kruger's parting message to listeners was one of perseverance: "If you believe in something, there's a reason you believe in it. Don't let the first opportunity that fails think that it's the end. Give it your best... Even if you fail a thousand times, you keep pushing if it's something you believe in."
Through Cultivate Kindness, Brad Kruger isn't just growing vegetables—he's cultivating hope, dignity, and sustainable change in communities across South Africa.
