Get your altruism on, says Umgeni Park resident
Join a group of altruists as they roll up their sleeves to assist the Sinakekle Childrens' Home in Verulam.
IT was an eye-opening experience for Umgeni Park resident, Nick Mavian, as he stepped out of his comfort zone and into the world of the abandoned and orphaned babies at the Sinakekle Childrens’ Home in Verulam recently.
As a volunteer participating in the #ServingSinakekele outreach programme, initiated by local company, Street Scene, Mavian and his wife Kelly set out to dedicate their weekend to build tree houses, paint walls and work on the home’s sustainable garden.
However, they were not prepared for the tiny faces that would ultimately steal their hearts, nor the selfless sacrifice of the staff working at the home.
“It was an amazing experience. It was extremely rewarding to see the joy on the faces of the staff and children at the home. But it also gave me an alarming glimpse into the world of people who are less fortunate than myself,” he said. “It was so humbling and inspiring to see the real sacrifice of Ruth Grobler, who started the home. She has dedicated her life to these children, but I have merely spent a few hours painting and building at the site,” he said.
Mavian urged the community to get involved in altruistic charities and events. “People should start small by getting involved in something that they are passionate about, be it babies or animals. It can be a scary and intimidating process, but it is not always doom and gloom,” he said.
The organiser of the outreach programme, Gabi Morrell, echoed Mavian’s sentiments saying, “I might sound cheesy, but if everyone did one small act of kindness for someone else the world would be a much better place.”
According to Morrell, the #ServingSinakekele project was designed to create sustainable change within various NGOs and NPOs.
“We have set out to help one organisation every two months for half a year, after which we move onto to another. We will eventually carry three organisations by the end of 2016 and cycle back to the first. This way we ensure the sustainability of our efforts, causing continual growth in the selected organisations,” she explained.
The next volunteering programme at the home will be held on 28 November. Morrell added that they are hoping to build a soccer field at the home and appealed to anyone who would be able to source a bobcat, instant lawn or goal posts.
Contact Gabi on 031 321 5079 or e-mail gabi@streetscene.co.za.
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