Durban’s Denis Hurley Centre encourages acts of reconciliation
Raymond Perrier, director of the DHC is asking the public to think about 'Acts of Reconciliation' that they can engage in personally.
THE Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) usually marks the Day of Reconciliation with a Meal of Reconciliation where hundreds of people get together at the DHC to share a meal, however the DHC is not able to host such an event in 2020.
Instead, Raymond Perrier, director of the DHC is asking the public to think about ‘Acts of Reconciliation’ that they can engage in personally.
“We can each help to bridge the gaps between groups that exist in our society. One thing the virus has brought home this year is that when any one of us is vulnerable, every one of us is vulnerable, all the more reason to work harder to live in solidarity with our fellow citizens in Durban,” he said.
He said people may have ideas of their own but, to get you thinking, he offers ideas of ‘Acts of Reconciliation’ for the last few weeks of 2020.
“Volunteer in the DHC kitchen over the next few weeks on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. Take time to stop and talk to a stranger, and buy excellent second-hand books, either as gifts or for your own pleasure, from the Street Lit vendors,” said Perrier.
If you have saved money this year by not being able to travel, make a one-off festive donation to the charity or religious group of your choice.
Buy toiletry items (such as toothpaste, soap, face cloths, and toothbrushes) and drop these off at the Denis Hurley Centre by 22 December, which can be used to make gift bags.
ALSO READ: More volunteers needed at Denis Hurley Centre kitchen
“Buy locally made goods at a market or in an independent shop to help Durban craftspeople and small businesses get back on their feet and buy organic vegetables from the Green Team at the homeless emergency shelter behind the Elangeni Hotel,” he said.
Other suggestions are to get in touch (using technology) with an old friend or someone who inspired you and tell them how much they mean to you, drop a note of hello to someone you have fallen out with, buy uniform items or school supplies for refugee children as they prepare for school next year, speak to someone from a different denomination or religion to try and understand more about their traditions and how they celebrate at this time of year, set up a regular monthly donation to your preferred charity so they can better plan for 2021 and contact a charity and ask if there is something they can really make use of.
To volunteer in the DHC kitchen, contact cathy@denishurleycentre.org.
To support the Street Lit vendors see Facebook for details of venues.
To buy organic vegetables from the Green Team at the homeless emergency shelter behind the Elangeni Hotel, contact Sizwe on 082 367 2011 to order, and to buy uniform items or school supplies for refugee children, contact Refugee Pastoral Care (www.refugeepastoralcare.co.za) or Refugee Social Services (yasmin@refugeesocialservices.co.za).
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