Perspectives from the Cape

MICHAEL SEEFF

My primary reason for going was to attend a summit I was invited to by a foundation which has been a longstanding Chev benefactor. 

The summit was fully sponsored and intended to bring together a diverse group of NPOs (most of them not Jewish) to share ideas, information and inspiration. About 30 organisations were represented, all of whom are recipients of funding. In keeping with the foundation’s mandate, dozens of operational improvements have been made to our facilities over the years which have provided immediate benefit.   

Delegates were invited to share information about themselves and while every occasion provides opportunities for some learning, this time I learned a great deal. As each beneficiary spoke, it was hugely encouraging to hear of the wonderful work being done throughout the country and to find out that there are 135 000 non-profits across SA. 

Speakers reported on the operational and funding challenges they face, which are pretty much universal but nevertheless unique in the South African context.  

I talked about the specific environment of the Chev and described our many triumphs and what keeps me up at night.

The summit provided a positive and inspiring setting for educating about trends, networking and collaboration. As always, perseverance is a life lesson that generally pays off.

While in Cape Town I paid a visit to another particularly generous Chev donor to express our gratitude in person. His hospitality was as encouraging as his ongoing charity and humility. 

Finally, I called upon Jewish Care Cape, an organisation which, together with a number of others, is tasked with providing care similar to that offered by the Chev, but naturally on a smaller scale. I will be maintaining contact with them – sharing models, experiences and learning from setbacks.

My sincere thanks, on behalf of the Chev, to all those who received and welcomed me so warmly. They say travel broadens the mind. It was my experience in this past week that you don’t have to travel far to achieve that. 

May our partnership continue to thrive.