Northmead resident is inspired to make a change
Mitchi worked in the motor industry for many years, but felt unfulfilled.
“I realised I would rather die at 50, having lived life to the fullest, than pass at 90 without living at all.”
These were the words of Northmead resident Gregg Mitchley, who helps those in need.
The Benoni resident, who is fondly called Mitchi, launched the Gregg Mitchley Foundation (GMF) in 2019. Its mission is to support those in need, specifically elderly people and children.
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“I hated being behind a desk and wanted to make a meaningful contribution to society,” he said.
Towards the end of 2017, Mitchi’s dad Darryl died at Rand Aid Association’s Thembalami Care Centre in Lombardy East, where he had lived for over five years.
His death was one of the factors that made Mitchi determined to change his life.
“My dad’s life was a struggle. He battled financially and socially. I know he loved us, but he was frustrated because he was unable to give us everything he wanted to,” he explained.
“He lived in his own little world – he was a huge introvert and never lived life to the full.”
Another death, that of one of his heroes, rugby player James Small in July 2019, again shook Mitchi’s world when he realised he was still not living the life he envisaged for himself.
“James had such passion for life.”
This is what inspired Mitchi to live a full life, no matter at what age he dies.
With the help of his friend, Alistair McDonald, he launched GMF.
“I have so much respect for Alistair; not only has his financial backing given me this opportunity to serve others, but he genuinely wants to help people. We are very similar in that we are both giving.”
In less than a year, GMF has facilitated dozens of donations and has held numerous events – all of which have been overseen by Mitchi.
He believes in being hands-on and loves nothing more than interacting on a personal level with the people his foundation supports.
Thembalami has been one of GMF’s beneficiaries from the get-go.
“I love the way the Thembalami team treats their residents. They are so caring and loving.”
The care centre’s elderly residents have benefited from donations of goods, enjoyed a pamper session organised by Mitchi and friends to boost the residents’ self-esteem, and some were treated to live cricket at the Wanderers.
He even took four of the residents on holiday to Ramsgate on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
“These elders had never flown in an aeroplane or seen the sea. They had never before felt sand between their toes. It was humbling to witness their joy,” he said.
“People don’t realise how blessed they are. Even in the toughest of times, we have a choice of food and a warm bed to sleep in.”
A core philosophy of GMF is kindness in action.
“People want to be more involved. They don’t just want to give a donation, they want to be hands-on and know how their money is being spent.
“Others might want to do something to help people with less, but feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start.
“The GMF calls for public involvement one event at a time. People can donate funds or can give their time and expertise.”
Mitchi attends all events and also interacts, shares videos and posts online so donors see where their money is going.
The Benonian remembers that as a child, while their basic needs were met, they lived with great financial uncertainty.
When he was in primary school, their house and other possessions being repossessed.
Hard times followed, but through it all he remembers his mom standing tall and not losing her empathy for others.
“Although we were struggling, she always wanted to help other people. I like to believe she passed this gift on to me.”
