(Award-winning comedy actor Aaron McIlroy. Photo by Val Adamson)We are Durban Social Upliftment is an active business-driven Durban-based NGO, involved in facilitating sustainable change in under-resourced areas in Durban. Believing that every resident and business of Durban has the ability to bring about sustainable change, it will host the formal launch of We Are Durban in the Durban City Hall on May 3.
The launch function takes the form of an awareness-creating elegant three course sit-down dinner with patrons being entertained by We Are Durban ambassadors, comedy actor Aaron McIlroy and story-teller / writer Gcina Mhlophe.
We Are Durban is a hard working, progressive, goals-driven organisation run by volunteers harnessed mostly from the business and faith communities. Their role is to complement the work done by existing NGOs, registered welfare organisations and civic structures in adding their expertise, resources and support to existing projects and initiatives. We Are Durban was birthed from the Olive Tree Church and is facilitated by the Chairman Dave Gould, Managing Director Linda Morrison and Directors Athi Koyana, Ross Rodger, Paul Jensen, Chester Koyana and Bevan Edgley.
Their vision speaks strongly of the importance of social justice, volunteerism and the need to form meaningful partnerships.
“Social Justice is the belief that we can create a society that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity; one that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. Social justice is possible. To achieve this we are always in need of skilled people who can dedicate their time to organisations or projects. If you have a skill and some time to donate, there is something in Durban that you can do. We endeavour to find existing NGOs that are already doing a fantastic job in our city and sending volunteers to them to serve and support them in any way we can,” says Linda Morrison.
“A project of this nature requires funding for a number of reasons. Each event we co-ordinate is always paid for by ourselves and does not require any financial output by the NGO or people who benefit. We engage in many projects that will add value to the city and or the people of the city and do not wish to place a financial burden on those involved,” she explains.
Three recent projects undertaken by We Are Durban are World Changers Academy Day whose focus is on empowering students and unemployed people by conducting life skills training. We Are Durban organized a World Changers Academy Conference in Shongweni to empower the mentors of this academy last month. Last month 3000 shoes were donated by Born in Africa Shoes, which were redistributed to needy people through We Are Durban networks. In February We Are Durban volunteers spent a rainy Saturday clearing up the Durban Children’s home garden. On April 21, volunteers were seen cleaning up the Qalakahle Creche at the Mansel Road Market.
“The city supports civil society initiatives that endorse our vision of Durban as Africa’s most caring and livable city. We want to support civil society’s enhanced participation in our municipality,” said Eric Apelgren – head of International and Governance Relations for Ethekwini Municipality. To this end, Ethekwini Municipality has made the Durban City Hall available for the launch.
Catering for the evening will be by Darryl Hofmann of Whole Food – a supporter of We Are Durban.
Businesses, communities, civic organisations, faith groups and individuals are invited to purchase a table for the gala dinner. For a three course meal and entertainment, tables sell at R2,000 for a table of ten, or individual seats sell at R220. For more information, or to book a table contact Athi Koyana on 031 818 0374, email: athi@vum.co.za or visit http://wearedurban.com
Posts
