Humanity shines through
2010-01-18 11:00
Remarkable isn't it, how it takes a cataclysmic disaster like the Haiti earthquake to show that the world still cares about people?
Governments that only weeks ago didn't give too much of a damn about anything except stock markets, money, foreign trade and political one-upmanship, have rallied to the Haitian cause.
Dozens of nations from the US with $100m in aid, to Britain, France China and even South Africa, have sent planeloads of people, earth moving equipment, food and water to Haiti.
But, what has impressed me is a South African aid organisation that has once again led the field in rushing to the aid of those in need.
They're called the Gift of the Givers and it is amazing how quickly they are able to react. And frankly, I don't think they're given enough credit for what they do. Probably because they don't expect credit, they don't expect a pat on the back nor do they expect reward.
But, I am going to give it anyway because they are a bunch of people who give me hope in humanity. They make me forget about the death and destruction that is caused by petty political bickering the world over. They make me forget that as far as most governments are concerned, human life comes way down in their list of priorities.
They make me feel very proud to be South African and most of all they teach me time and time again that giving is what makes people happy, not taking.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster relief organisation of African origin on our continent. Their assistance is purely humanitarian and unconditional. They help irrespective of race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation or geographical boundary. They are entirely neutral in our approach to mankind in need. They're non-judgemental and have an open-minded approach to all situations.
So far, Gift of the Givers has delivered more than R360m in aid to 25 countries around the world, including South Africa. They designed and developed the world's first and largest containerised mobile hospital, which was deployed in Bosnia. It was comparable to the best hospitals in Europe and remains unmatched to this day.
Besides disaster relief activities, they run 24 projects, administered by their offices in South Africa and Malawi. These projects cover things such as such as Health, Education, Agricultural Sustainability, Life Skills, Job Creation & Entrepreneurship, Feeding Schemes, Sport & Culture and Winter Warmth.
While, like most people, I feel so dreadfully sad for the people of Haiti, I must say it gives me a real lift to not have to devote a column to complaining about something but rather to give credit where credit is due.
There are plenty of organisations that do wonderful things in this country, but I believe that Gift of the Givers deserves to be singled out and given a huge and resounding pat on the back.
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