Survival through the strength of others...

If you had to imagine waking up in the early hours of the morning…panicked screams and smoke filled rooms all around. How would you react? Run? Hide?

Now place yourself in the frail care section at the local old age home. Getting up and walking 5 steps is already an incredible challenge. How will you run? Where will you hide…?

Then like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster, out of the smoke arises a few brave souls to save them all…

This is the story of Mrs Mari Bronkhorst, and the bystanders that helped rescue the residents of Pieter Wessels home for the aged in Nigel. When a fire ransacked their home in the early hours of the morning on the 1st of August 2010, they heeded the call for help.

Risking life and limb, they managed to save 84 of the residents by dragging them out of their smoke filled rooms. In everyday terms they would be hailed heroes for displaying such bravery in the face of death.

This is a story that both reminds us of how fragile the human existence is, and gives us hope that there are still people willing to risk their own lives to save that of others.

However, as a result of this unimaginable tragedy, all the residents of Pieter Wessels were left destitute.

For us mere mortals observing from the sidelines, how could we make a difference? Would there be anything that could change fortunes for these individuals.

Then once again, as if from nowhere, a few people decide to arrange a festival with all proceeds going toward the construction of a new home for those left out in the cold. These kind hearted individuals hail from a company called Equanimity Holiday bookings. The festival called “Dunnotar Festival 2010”.

Events included in the festival were some well known local artists, donating their time and talents for the cause, a market for individuals selling various items including food and beverages, and even a modeling competition to showcase the wealth of talent that the area possesses.

The small part that I played in the series of event was being the Master of Ceremonies for the modeling competition and among the judges was Mr. South Africa 2009, Stephen Segal.

Is there a message here? All that is needed to make a difference is getting involved. Roll up your sleeves and donate, if nothing else, just a few minutes of your time. We can change the world, one act of random kindness at a time. Every big snowball starts with one snowflake….

For the ongoing support program visit www.placeofstrength.co.za, and see how you can contribute…