One resident decided to take the concept of giving to the next level and continues to make a difference in the community.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 April 2016) – Stephen Ferreira had been involved in various charity projects but decided to step up his involvement in the community and surrounds with his own charity. At first, everything was coordinated via SMS and email but social media proved to be the best platform to create awareness for their projects.
According to Ferreira, who is also a project manager at the University of Johannesburg, each project presents a challenge but the most difficult aspect is to create new ideas to keep people interested and spreading the word. All of the charity’s projects have been accomplished thus far through word of mouth.
Charity Begins With Me based in Weltevreden Park teamed up with Kindness Like Confetti, which is based in Linden and Allen Glen High School to collect an impressive 8000 Easter eggs.
According to Stephan Ferreira from Charity Begins With Me, they aimed to break last year’s record of 3000 eggs, but almost tripled that number with 8000 Easter eggs.
“On 18 March the team and the Easter Bunny visited Tjokkertjies vir Jesus, Reënboogland and Ikholwa Children’s Home to hand out Easter eggs and take pictures with the children,” said Ferreira.
He added that the children absolutely loved it. The children from Reënboogland took it a step further and each donated a can of dog food for Greyhound Rescue Group SA.
“Unfortunately the Easter Bunny couldn’t visit all the organisations personally, but he did send us to drop off Easter eggs on his behalf,” said Ferreira.
Charity Begins with Me is not a registered non-government organisation but it supports many charities. They will be launching a Mother’s Day campaign soon. Ferreira and his partner, Alex Vorster, do the majority of the collections but have two friends in other neighbourhoods who act as drop-off points.
“I started this massive task of trying to change the world for me and not because I wanted to impress anyone else. I also quickly realized that a lot of people are keen to help but someone has to continuously drive and motivate and work to keep the ball rolling. It has to start with me.
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And if I cannot show people the hard work I am willing to put into it, then I cannot expect others to do the same. I can inspire a few people to help. They in return inspire a few others and so our network gets bigger every single day,” said Ferreira.
Out of this mentality, the name Charity Begins with Me was born.
In 2013, Ferreira was diagnosed with Leukemia, yet this has not slowed him down but instead added fuel to the existing fire.
“It constantly drives me to do more and work harder to make a difference before I kick the bucket,” Ferreira confessed.
For more info: Stephan Ferreira, charitybeginswithme.blogspot@gmail.com, 072 593 3866.
Sources: CBWM
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