When I was presented with the task of fund-raising for “Ons Huis Trust” my initial approach was to follow the standard route of hosting social events where we would rely on the benevolence of people to assist this worthy cause, but after meeting the people of “Ons Huis” my entire strategy changed.
I took to heart the words of Elsie van der Walt, (Ons Huis Manager) where she said they were not “a place that would beg”, instead I adopted the creative and seldom remembered but still novel philosophy of “pass it on”.
It is an holistic philosophy, which places emphasis on empowerment, sustainability and long-term results – very much in line with that of Ons Huis. This for me was perfect synergy as I witnessed the self-sufficiency and independence, both of the Ons Huis organization and also of each of its residents.
Although the brief was to raise funds, I also wanted to assist with immediate results and long-term relationships that would provide sustainability like introducing Ons Huis to the Irene Dramatic Arts Society.
This relationship would be two-fold: free theatrical excursions for the residents and opportunities for the residents to be hired to make props and display and sell some of their crafts at these popular events, not forgetting the direct approach of hosting some of these events to assist them with raising funds in the future.
Another opportunity presented itself to assist Ons Huis with something as small as an outing.
When I first spoke with Elsie about doing something simply for the residents, it seemed so easy and almost mundane - but after all the “behind the scenes work” of getting the residents all the way to the Monte casino Bird Gardens, with the help of Elsie and her legions, the packed lunches and refreshments, the T-shirts to remind them of the day out, this idea became a massive logistic undertaking, but the bright faces, laughter and memories created were certainly a worthwhile investment.
To all those who assisted – Thank You.
Being active in my daily life with various humanitarian projects, prior to Mr SA, I was able to approach people in the corporate world with whom I have been fortunate enough to have participated in other community projects and volunteered my services for mundane tasks like making coffee, washing Directors’ cars, general admin or whatever was required - and in payment I simply asked that they would “pay the service forward”, each time making a voluntary donation for the service provided, cumulatively until a target was reached within each organization.
This not only enabled us to assist “Ons Huis” with getting the funds they need to realise their dreams and meet their needs but also enriched all those who participated by showing that sometimes the smallest act of human kindness snowballs into great acts.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person for their acts - regardless of size or nature - from those making cups of coffee for a colleague, loading the copier, washing the bosses car, or baking the muffins for tea etc.
Each act on its own may seem insignificant but each act created awareness of not only what may be perceived to be a glamorous competition, Mr SA, but also brought attention to the small unknown projects that make such a difference in their communities and to those around them: Ons Huis as well as other unnamed projects.
This awareness and the true kindness of people is what raised the R25 800.
