Celebrating Project Dignity – and a special wedding
ON APRIL 11, the Dignity Project turned two. It was a journey that allowed me to face my fears and insecurities, push my boundaries and think out of the box. I was fortunate to have learnt from the best. They include people like former Cape Argus editor Gasant Abarder, the newspaper’s assistant editor Jade Otto, live editor Lance Witten and current editor Aziz Hartley .
I knew little about what it takes to produce a newspaper. And the fact that I’d never written before made me nervous at times. I would observe people in the newsroom and I did a lot of reading.
Michael Morris to me is a living legend when it comes to journalism. I became part of the IOL family and I am grateful for their unconditional acceptance.
Every journalist has their own unique way of presenting an article. There were times I was in awe of how they could stay factual and focused no matter how horrific some of the news stories were.
My support on the outside was phenomenal too. People from Sun International, the CCID, the City of Cape Town and local NGOs always had time for me whenever I needed information.
But the star in my story is the man or woman in the street. We created a 15-day campaign and the reaction was heartfelt.
I remember the time a homeless couple got married. I posted a request for donations on our Dignity Facebook page and in just two days the whole wedding was finalised.
BMW at the Waterfront rocked up with a black convertible to transport the couple. Pick n Pay sponsored food platters. Roeland Liquors sold us champagne at cost price. There were so many people involved, but I just don’t have the space to thank you all here.
I had the pleasure to meet a phenomenal human being, Kerry Dale Hoffman. She and her team put Souper Troopers on the map.
Jesse Maarit Laitinen from StreetScapes created urban gardens where some homeless people found work.
I would like to thank all the NGOs and private companies feeding the homeless on a regular basis. Danny and his team from Doppio Zero, Johnny and his team from the beer garden. The various shelters. The Methodist Church on Green Market Square, preparing us home-cooked meals every Sunday. I want to thank the staff from U-Turn at the second-hand clothing shops in town. Now we got some style!
TB/HIV Association: Turning the lives around of those on drugs with the Harm Reduction Programme they provide.
Shaun Shelly and his team are out there educating various role-players on the benefits of harm reduction, etc.
Last, but not least, Venetia Orgill from Discover Your Power. Every Thursday evening in The Company’s Garden, come rain or gale-force winds, she is there at 7pm sharp.
Please write to me at masekind321@ gmail.com.