A MAN strums his guitar as hundreds of other people, snuggled in warm beanies, scarves and sleeping bags, huddle around the soft glow of candles, playing cards or reading books. Others share a meal or a conversation with the men and women they would most likely ignore on the streets – the homeless.
This was the atmosphere experienced by nearly 1 000 people who took part in last year’s iDare2Care awareness campaign, organised by Somerset Park-based non-profit organisation, I Care. The event was made possible through a collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality.
The NPO, which strives to empower and rehabilitate street children, has once again challenged the community to ‘spend one night of courage’ on 20 May on West Street in Durban to see ‘a city forever changed’. This year, I Care, The Dennis Hurley Centre and the city have joined forces and are hoping for an even bigger event.
“Our aim is raise awareness and an understanding of the homeless. We want people to see and experience a day in a life of a homeless person – to interact and connect with people living on the streets,” said I Care marketing manager, Gail Elson.
People are urged to take along warm blankets as well as a simple meal to share with the vulnerable and homeless. Clothes and blankets will also be collected after the event, which will be distributed among the homeless to assist with the coming cold winter months.
“We want to assure the public that the night will be safe with Metro Police, SAPS as well as Blue Security members on scene. They will be undercover to keep the evening as authentic as possible,” she added.
Elson, who attended last year’s event, said, “It was an amazing experience, something that I can put down as a life event. It has definitely opened my eyes and made me realise that they all have a story to tell and that they are in need of our help,” she said.
Home Affairs will also attend the event, where staff will be assisting the homeless individuals with ID applications. The Dennis Hurley Clinic will be providing wound-dressing services, while Safer Cities educate the homeless on health and well being services and The South African National Zakáh Fund (SANZAF) offers skills development to the needy community. For more information, contact I Care on 031 572 6870 or visit the website, www.icare.co.za.
