I take my hat off to the CEO’s who braved the cold and slept outside to raise funds for vulnerable children.
I think this winter has been one of the coldest we’ve had in Joburg for a long time and just the thought of anyone, especially a child, having to sleep outside is incredibly sad.
I feel guilty for moaning about the cold, when at least I have a warm bed, blankets and warm clothes to wear, because there are so many people who are not so blessed.
I also get a lump in my throat when I think about all the homeless and abandoned animals roaming the streets desperately trying to find food and a warm place to sleep.
It absolutely breaks my heart to see people and animals suffering and I wish I could help everyone.
One person cannot do much by themselves, but like the sleep-out initiative has proved, if people stand together they can make a huge difference. We need more projects and initiatives like this.
So the next time you think of complaining, just remember the thousands of people and animals who do not have anything. If you are not already involved in a winter project, I encourage you to find a cause close to your heart and get involved. Every little bit helps.
Like Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
