The spirit of giving is alive and well
Volunteers, benefactors and humanitarians sometimes come from the least likely of sources
IN these days of crime, corruption and self-centred behaviour, it’s easy to become pessimistic and cynical.
If all the online chat is to be believed, the majority of people in the world are wicked and wouldn’t lift a finger to help the next person.
The reality contradicts this – very much so.
In our experience, people are good, kind, caring, responsive and more than willing to donate for the welfare of others.
The past few days have brought this truth home with a vengeance: the spirit of giving is alive and well.
Monday was the third anniversary of the passing of our greatest statesman, Nelson Mandela.
His memory bears testimony to the fact that giving can be done on many levels: sharing money and material items, but more especially through generosity of spirit.
Gifts don’t need to be tangible or expensive. A smile, a hug, a word of support, a helpful piece of advice or guidance, a gesture of forgiveness…all these make this a better world – the world in which Madiba set the finest example.
Monday was also officially designated ‘World Volunteer Day’.
Volunteers are the glue that holds society together.
Someone who is paid to do something is of far less influence than the one who does the same task from the heart.
This region is privileged to enjoy the services of scores of volunteers, giving time and effort to institutions ranging from Sea Rescue to SPCA, Hospice, Child Welfare and more.
Volunteers, benefactors and humanitarians sometimes come from the least likely of sources.
On Sunday, well over 300 bikers arrived at the Zululand Observer offices laden with toys.
Their mission: to bless the lives of orphan children who otherwise would have little festive season happiness to offset their dire daily circumstances.
The unfounded reputation of bikers as a lawless, uncaring community took another hefty knock. Bless them!
It is said there are two types of people – the givers and the takers; and that the takers eat better, but the givers sleep better.
Indeed, donors and volunteers can feel proud, knowing they may well have made a life-changing difference to someone who may have believed ‘nobody cares about me’.
