Bloom’s work in Buffelsrivier is made possible by the shared vision of its core partners.
PROTEA VALLEY CHURCH
Protea Valley Church (PVC) is a Christian church based outside of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Province. Part of PVC’s mission is to “go into the world to bring hope and healing and to call the lost to come home to Christ”.
PVC is Julie and Neal’s home church in South Africa. With open arms, PVC challenges people from every walk of life to think deeply about the moral foundations on which they live. PVC is unwavering on biblical principles and Christ as the source of our salvation, and strongly believes that churches exist for believers and non-believers alike.
Neal and Julie are extremely fortunate and thankful to serve as missionaries with PVC as their official sending church.
ROTARY CLUB OF NAMAKWA
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Neal and Julie are proud to be founding directors of the local Rotary Club in Namakwaland and are excited to see how it will impact Buffelsrivier.
JAIRAH FUNDS
Jairah Funds is a charity based in Scotland with projects in various countries abroad. They provide relief to people in need due to age, ill health, natural disaster, financial hardship or other disadvantage in countries/areas around the world.
Jairah Funds has had a relationship with Bloom’s founders for over 10 years, and is an invaluable strategic partner.
FISANTEKRAAL CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT
Fisantekraal Centre for Development is a non-profit organization based in South Africa that uses skills development courses to “restore dignity and build self-esteem and self-confidence”. Founded by PVC, Fisantekraal takes a holistic approach that includes life skills training, business skills training, and spiritual development in all courses. Programmes are open to anyone who is unemployed, irrespective of race, gender or religious background.
LIFEXCHANGE
LifeXchange is a non-profit organization based in South Africa that uses a one-on-one mentorship process to “ignite within individuals the belief that they can become something greater than they imagined”.
LifeXchange started the outreach in Buffelsrivier in 2015. Ever since, they have continued building relationships with members of the community and building a network of organizations and individuals passionate about helping the people of Buffelsrivier.
Neal and Julie will take the lead in coordinating and expanding the support network, as well as working with community members to help them achieve their full potential and develop community driven initiatives.
Community Partners
BUFFELSRIVIER VGK PRIMÊRE SKOOL
The Buffelsrivier Primary School educates approximately 175 students from Grade R (Kindergarten) – Grade 7. It not only teaches youngsters but also provides a feeding scheme for those most in need.
The education system of South Africa requires a certain percentage of teachers’ salaries to be supplied by parents; however, due to the significant unemployment rate in Buffelsrivier, the school is usually short on teachers and is forced to combine some grades.
In 2025, the Northern Cape Department of Education failed to supply its schools with appropriate funding for the year which left students without basic needs being met. Bloom was instrumental in securing the most basic needs and anticipates similar challenges in the future.
RIVERSTONES
The Riverstones soccer team was established in 1979 and is a pillar of the community. It brings unity and common ground among supporters in an often-unforgiving atmosphere. Hosting games in Buffelsrivier also generates income for local shops with an influx of fans.
Having been undefeated in the 2023-24 season, the team earned a placement in a more competitive league. Players identify that being on the team provides shared purpose, stable identity, community pride and a sense of belonging. Soccer is the only regularly organised activity in Buffelsrivier and players are actively trying to “avoid being among the statistics of youth who fall away to drug and alcohol addiction.” It is far more than just a game.
Bloom initially supported the team by providing a critical element which they were lacking: a game ball. Further support has included team equipment (individual uniforms to prevent the need for sharing jerseys & hydration bottles), grief therapy, endurance training, game photography/videography, and partial support to participate in away games.
PROTEAS
Having been established in 2004, the Proteas soccer team took a pause while the Riverstones made a name for themselves. In 2024, they regrouped and stepped into the empty slot created by the Riverstones’ advancement. Although players may be new to the team, it is clear their passion for the sport is deeply embedded in who they are.
Bloom has provided specialised endurance training, management support, team equipment, partial support to attend away games, and game photography/videography. We hope to supply individual uniforms in the future to prevent the need to share sweaty jerseys.