“We cannot sit back and wait for government to fix the ills in our society,” said Emily Wellman of Noah Can.
“We need to take a stand and be the change we want to see in our streets and communities.”
Noah Can (Norwood, Orange Grove and Houghton Community Action Network) aims to provide emergency food relief to vulnerable families living primarily in Ward 73.
Wellman explained that she was aware that lockdown would bring a devastating loss of income for many cash-based earners and informally employed people living in the area.
After assisting Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett to devise a list of people applying for government food parcels, Wellman joined hands with members of Noah Can to support huge numbers of people through community donations.
The Victoria resident quoted former resident of the area Helen Suzman who said, “I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights. The indispensable elements in a democratic society – and well worth fighting for.”
Wellman said she had always been involved in the NGO/civic space – broadly dealing with entrenching democracy in the region.
“Our country will only thrive if active citizens participate in processes and organisations that seek to be positive change-makers at a grassroots level.”
She believed that teamwork was vital for achieving this.
“I love this expression: ‘If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together’.”
She praised the teamwork displayed at Noah Can saying, “The compassion for the less fortunate runs deeply within each members’ hearts which provides the energy and resilience to keep doing the important work that we do, with no personal reward or accolade.”
Speaking to the plight of women this month, Wellman said it had been sad to see inequalities growing and financial stability evaporating for many women since lockdown.
“This is a time to show your resilience and dignity – work harder than you need to, laugh harder than you did before and never give up.
“You are the generation that I truly believe will be the one to strengthen our democracy and do that by leading the way with determination, grace and grit.
“Being and raising successful and compassionate women is critical if we are to right so many of the wrongs society faces. Without them, inequality will continue to thrive and women will continue to be at a disadvantage compared to our male counterparts.”
ALSO READ:
