The Soapbox | Where South Africans Speak Out

BY PAUL VOSLOO

I have been driving around listening to “If today was your last day” by Nickelback now, non-stop for five days. I am attempting to brainwash myself and I know that if I can just keep this song in my head for the next few years I might just pull off saving the world. A little presumptuous I know. But what if one person could save the world? Doesn’t the world need to be saved? The song is an uplifting anthem for changing times; it’s a call to action:

Each day’s a gift and not a given right. Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind.
Try to take the path less travelled by. The first step you take is the longest stride
If today was your last day, and tomorrow was too late. Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last? Leave old pictures in the past? Donate every dime you have?

We live in a country with some of the most important challenges facing the world today. But equally we are faced with some of the greatest opportunities of our generation. No amount of well-crafted rhetoric will ever match looking another human being in the eye and giving them a helping hand. No amount of political posing will ever trump getting your hands dirty building someone a home or giving them a meal, perhaps the only one today.

Over three million South African children go hungry every day; thousands go to school on an empty stomach. Many of these kids walk great distances, burning up the precious energy they need to concentrate and study. Our aim is to provide a nutritious first meal of the day for children who arrive at school on an empty stomach.

“So you’d like to save the world” runs and funds community projects. Our vision is a sustainable central organisation where we can identify, support and fund various projects and organisations by partnering with like-minded people. We provide a direct link between the donor and the project, allowing for accountability, transparency and donor involvement. It is more personal and people get to see who they are helping and how they are changing lives.

Our pilot project is called “Food for thought” and will be run on the South Coast in the Malangeni Reserve. We are currently feeding 34 children between the ages of 0-5 every day with a solid first meal. The project has since grown to include supplying books and toys for the kids as well. It has no boundaries and will continue to grow and accommodate their needs. It’s only goal is a healthy vibrant school day that starts with a solid breakfast and is filled with colourful books and stimulating toys.

Our immediate need is R820 a month to feed 34 kids everyday. The next goal is to grow the project and extend its reach. If you have any questions or would like to assist us please contact me via my website or call 082 587 9361.

Apart from donating or sponsoring a child, buying a T-shirt will feed a child for 4 months. They cost R100 and we cover the admin costs separately.

What if one person could really change the world? What if that person was you? “Do what ever it takes, cause you can’t rewind.”

Apologies to Nickelback for the stolen words and inspiration to keep believing.

Paul Vosloo is saving the world.