Community impact
The chance to hear. The chance to be heard.
Big Ears Trust is a non-profit voluntary association connecting hearing access, Deaf education support and elephant conservation.
The 2026 focus
Making hearing access more possible for children in South Africa.
The Trust’s public legacy page sets a 2026 fundraising goal of R600,000 to help 40 children who do not have access to hearing aids.
Hearing access
Technology, skills and support for fuller participation.
The Trust was formed to improve the lives of people who experience hearing disability. Its stated purpose is to help children and adults access the technology, skills and support that can help them lead productive, happy and contributing lives.
Its legacy public material identifies a practical gap for children in South Africa who do not have access to hearing aids.
St Vincent School for the Deaf
Support that extends beyond the device.
Elephants in Main Street describes a partnership with St Vincent School for the Deaf, including coaching and training for the school’s management team and staff.
THE INTENTION
Build the knowledge, understanding and capacity that helps people apply what is useful in their community and work.
This summary is taken from the retained Big Ears Trust public page.
Trust stewardship
A founding and trustee team connected to the work.
The titles below are retained from the Big Ears Trust legacy page and identify the people shown as the Trust’s founder and trustees.
Stephen Langton Blades
Founder of the Big Ears Trust; CEO of Elephants in Main Street International.
Melissa Blades
Managing Director of Elephants in Main Street International.
Sabrina Ann Blades
Global Technology and Operations Manager at Elephants in Main Street International.
Steven Wright
Managing Owner and CEO of Team Forward (Pty) Ltd.
Conservation
Listening also means protecting what cannot speak for itself.
A second purpose of the Big Ears Trust is to help protect and support the continued existence and survival of elephants on the planet.
Get involved
Join the herd. Help others hear and be heard.
If you or your organisation would like to be involved, contact the Big Ears Trust to begin a conversation about the current need and the most useful way to contribute.
CONTACT THE TRUSTaccounts@bigearstrust.co.za+27 861 353 353
The site does not process donations. Contact the Trust directly for current involvement options.
A useful connection
Make room for every voice to be heard.
The Big Ears Trust brings together practical hearing support, community capability and elephant conservation.