Living in the African wilderness, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, we often find that the latest trends that ripple through social media and popular culture can sometimes pass us by. But, if we sit quietly and appreciate the sounds of nature and feel the energy of the Londolozi Family going about their day, the most important trends and ideas will find us quite easily- no matter how far from the source we might be. Certain synchronicities will occur that might put a quiet, knowing smile on our faces as we watch the universe at play around us and welcome the chance to add a bit of our Londolozi flavour to a developing trend.
Three such things came together in perfect harmony recently – all such wonderful concepts on their own, but when strung together, created a beautiful banner that I couldn’t help but hang up today on our blog.
“Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The first event happened when I was reminded that – with Christmas around the corner – it was time to begin to think about our annual staff ‘Secret Santa’ collection. This year, on one of our staff Whatsapp Chat groups, someone suggested that we channel our gifting in a slightly different way, and suggested that we support a local orphanage that was started many years ago by Eric Ubisi, Londolozi Chef. The idea formed, and with a cause so close to home, led by a quiet Londolozi hero in his own right, we were all hooked on the idea. Before we knew it, a list had been drawn up, and each one of us had been assigned a person to give a gift to. Messages flooded into the chat as staff began to explore ideas of what to give and how we would wrap, transport and give the gifts. While I was a part of the conversation, I took a moment to step back and witness how this beautiful idea had formed, and just how it had deeply activated something in our immediate community. There was such a rush to be a part of this idea and I was amazed at the outpouring of enthusiasm, realising that while receiving a Secret Santa gift for ourselves would be delightful, there was more of an appetite among our staff to receive in the form of giving to others. This made me wonder how many other people in the world might be waiting for an opportunity to focus on the art of giving instead of getting?
The Londolozi Family getting a kick out of being of service and giving back to their community
Cue synchronicity number two… the idea of Giving Tuesday– a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on December 3, 2019 and every day. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This concept was born to counterbalance the massive consumerism that happens on Black Friday (one of the trends that happily skips past us, and perhaps is rather something we only know as a monochrome focused TWIP). While I wasn’t aware of Giving Tuesday until just recently (thanks to our amazing Good Work Foundation Family for sharing the idea) it is certainly a concept that resonates so deeply with the Londolozi values that it was a ‘no-brainer’ that we should get involved.
Celebrate Generosity
And finally, the third ‘trend’ which is a bit of a cheat because it is something that has been ‘trending’ for many, many years, and certainly isn’t a recent concept but rather continues to grow, moment by moment, small act by small act, and that is the width, depth and breadth of the Londolozi Family.
And so, with these three threads, we weave our own story together in the lead up to the festive season and in celebration of Giving Tuesday this year. With the combined energy of the Londolozi Family who, in doing their work for our guests and extended family all over the world, exude their love of being of service, and our Good Work Foundation Family who are the everyday undercover heroes, giving of their time and enthusiasm for education, we harness the global trend of counteracting consumerism with kindness and the world’s insatiable need for more things with gratitude and appreciation for the way in which we can affect positive change in the world.
This Giving Tuesday, we call on as many members of our extended Londolozi Family as possible to join this generosity movement and help us to raise funds for GWF’s Bridging Academy programme for 2020. Our goal is to help Good Work Foundation with their goal of raising $100 000 between now and December 20th. In this way, we will empower 180 adult students to be able to attend Hazyview & Lillydale Digital Learning Campuses.
At the end of the day, giving is contagious. That rush we get from being the one to give a gift that is appreciated is addictive. In a world where we chase highs and experience a few too many lows, isn’t the simple act of giving with an open heart the antidote to so many of our woes? If you are feeling inspired, and perhaps the generosity bug has bitten in the last few minutes, join the Londolozi Family’s Giving Tuesday campaign by CLICKING HERE. It’s a simple idea with huge potential. Whether you join us on our campaign or simply come together with your family, your community, your company or your organization, find a way to give back. You won’t believe how good it feels!
I think it is a fantastic idea to give a gift to someone who are not as priviledged as you are. As you mention Amanda it is nice to get a gift for Christmas but there are people who need it more. It dies make you feel so good when the recepient come and thank you and you know they appeeciate it. It can be somethong small or just a friendly gesture or a smile or a compliment. Giving is always so much better than receiving. As I get older all the consumerism around the holidays and the hype that leads up to it, is getting a bit overwhelming.
Thank you so much Marinda – you are so right that it feels better to give than to receive sometimes!
Amanda, What a beautiful story! And thanks for the insight into Eric Ubisi’s special project too. We are sure that the goals you have set will be met and we will do our best to help and spread the word!
Thank you so much Michael and Terri. We are thrilled to hear that Safari Sarasota 2019 was such a success, and we have no doubt that you’ll spread the good word this Giving Tuesday 🙂
And a BIG THANK YOU for your donation to our campaign – first one in and so appreciated!
The photo of the young man dancing is priceless and brings back a great memory of the day the photo was taken–at the grand opening of the Dumphries Learning Center in July. We were so fortunate to have attended that wonderful event. We are also proud that, along with Terri/Michael/Beth, we were part of the planning team for Safari Sarasota. It’s amazing how Sarasotans have come to understand the GWF mission and supported it so generously over the past 6 years.
Safari Sarasota continues to be a big success, and we are so grateful for your involvement and your love for GWF Vin!
Amanda, I think this is a fantastic ideaa? I usually hold a Boys & Girls Club event and try to give needy children a happy Christmas – I have about 14 ladies attend each year, and they all pick a child, and they shower them with gifts. They are very generous! It is always a blessing when you give from your heart.
That is such a beautiful idea, too, Joan- thank you for sharing. I love the visual of showering children with gifts! 🙂
As I’ve grown in years, compassion, patience and understanding have been beacons to bring me to a place where giving is so much more full filling than the receiving. In America, the land of hope and plenty, there are people who don’t know where their next meal may surface, including an abhorrent number of children. I don’t have a lot, but I’m happy to share with the Food Bank and contribute to your Giving Tuesday campaign. Wonderful, thoughtful blog.
Thank you so much for your support, Denise, it really means a lot to us. If all you can do is share the idea of Giving Tuesday, and perhaps share the details of our campaign with others, you will have helped immeasurably.
a BIG Thank you to everyone who has made a very kind donation to our campaign so far. It really is very much appreciated!
On behalf of everyone at the Good Work Foundation, thank you for making this campaign so successful. It has been important for two reasons:
(1) The money raised will pay for 20 full-time Bridging Academy adult students to attend Hazyview Digital Learning Campus for a full year, which is just incredible; and
(2) As the world becomes more and more digital, as an organisation we are learning how to grow support for our programmes online.
The fact that the Londolozi community has helped us go past our goal is extremely encouraging. Just because we are a non-profit based in rural South Africa doesn’t mean we can’t be at the forefront of engaging with our community of friends and supporters online.
Thank you so much from all of us!