Kruger Park’s donation

Kruger Park lodge recently renovated all their chalets, that means almost everything had to go, from pillows to kitchen utensils. Now the lucky receiver was Sizabantwana. We had four bakkie loads full of goods that includes towels, clothes,mattress covers, tabels and all kinds of goodies in between that went straight to them.

Here is another project that a group of young Jewish professionals took on to the streets of London as part of a campaign to raise thousands of pounds to support Sizabantwana.

During an Aish social action tour of the country last year, participants visited the SizaBantwana project
where a lack of funds meant dozens of children enjoyed only basic facilities and had nowhere to eat other than the mud floor.
Within hours of arriving, they had embarked on an effort to improve conditions that would continue long after they had left the venue, close to the Kruger National Park.

“Like an episode of Challenge Anneka we went to the South African equivalent of B&Q, Toys R Us and Sainsbury’s and using plenty of chutzpah, got most of what we needed for free,” one participant Marc George, 25, told the Jewish News.

“That day the children feasted on chicken, enjoyed playing with a host of new toys and were given toothbrushes and taught how to use them. We planted a vegetable patch, built a see-saw and shelter and brightened up the place with Lion King characters.” The Beehive Lane Synagogue member added:
“When we arrived at the barren patch of land that currently constitutes the ‘orphanage’
we were greeted by a large group of gorgeous, excited kids who were curious and playful.
We were so energised by them we barely noticed the women lying on the floor a little further on.
She was a young girl, dying of aids, who had come to SizaBantwana to hand over her child.
It really hit home, that this project effectively serves as surrogate parents for all these kids – and that without it, like millions of others in South Africa, they would simply be alone.”

But the group were determined that their work with SizaBantwana – which is run by founder Frank Mashego
with the help of a team of dedicated volunteers – would not end with their two days there.
And ASAP (Africa Social Action Project) was established as part of Aish within weeks of their return to the UK.

They are hoping to add to the £5,000 already raised when 100 volunteers – including family and friends of the group that took part in the original trip led by Rabbi Brian Rubenstein – spread out across key central London spots to collect funds towards day-to-day running costs as well as a new kitchen and dining hall.

“Hygiene and nutrition are both massively important in the developing world,” said Marc. “The biggest killer of children is diarrhoea, and kids with HIV, with lowered immune systems and poor diets are even more at risk.A new, clean kitchen, and dining hall with wash basins is central to maintain the health of the children.
” He added: “As Jews we charged with the mission to be an ‘Or le goyim’ or light unto the nations.
We are supposed to set an example. We also believe in Tikkun Olam – repairing the world.
As a group of Jews, familiar with these aspects of our heritage we simply could not walk away from SizaBantwana.”

- This weekend’s collection is the first of what it is hoped will be many fundraising events.
For further information about ASAP, email asap@aish.org.uk or to make a donation, visit www.asaporphange.org

No Comments Yet

No comments yet.

Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI