You can measure your wealth by how much you give.
So says Stephen Thomas, CEO of 1in1out, a not-for-gain company based in Malanshof which uplifts the community through faith-based charity initiatives.
The company is known for its provision of hot meals and blankets during winter, clean-ups and the donations it provided to victims of the Kya Sand fire last year.
Thomas started the company 12 years ago due to a gap he perceived between the rich and poor.
“Government should be alleviating poverty,” he says. “But from what I can see, things are getting worse. If an ordinary citizen does nothing, nothing will be done.” Thomas’ ultimate goal is to train people so they can support themselves.
This will be in the form of a ‘breakthrough centre’ somewhere in Zandspruit where people will be taught skills in gardening, sewing, building, shoemaking and welding.
There will also be a crèche at this centre. But Thomas needs land and funding before this project can begin. “Until I die I will not stop dreaming,” the 61-year-old Thomas says. “Before I retire and my strength is gone, I would rather do good and give my strength to people who really need help.”
Gift Mulaisi, pastor of the youth ministry at Rhema Bible Church North, says that Thomas is a “good guy”, and likened him to Mother Teresa because of his passion to help those in need. “He would not do this if he was not called,” Mulaisi adds.
Details: 1in1out stephen.thomas@1in1out.org.za;
011 793 1917.
