This year was the 36^th year of a community in unity!

In the context of a country in potential crisis during wartime as was the case with Britain the 2 words NEVER BEFORE had a certain meaning.

ONE TO ONE has been held annually since 1981. It’s an ever growing event where one can get involved in a variety of ways... and make a difference to the “special people” of the community. One could be as a stall holder offering a fun or game challenge. Another as a “friend” to share the excitement whilst caring for the handicapped, or as a sponsor to help make the event the success it has been for the past 36 years.

And so it was… The Bellville Velodrome was packed!
As Shakespeare would have said ... “all’s well that ends well!!”

A covered parking area.. where cars are parked neatly, quietly was transformed. Fun, laughter, enjoyment took over. The atmosphere was jolly, happy and excited .

It is not possible to measure enthusiasm year in and year out but in 2016 there was a palpable increased spirit of terrific enthusiasm and enjoyment by all. From arrival to departure and the excitement of just being there, the time spent at ONE to ONE 2016 was rewarding and humbling.

More and more participating organisations and people are getting involved. They come from all corners of the Cape Town community. It is a tangible display of caring; one that the handicapped within our society undoubtedly appreciate.

There is no reason whatsoever why corporates do not get involved in the same way as the ordinary people. A stall, emblazoned with corporate branding and manned by staff  joining in the fun of the day will be  tangible evidence of the social responsibility ethos that  is espoused.  Take the challenge and join in!!

Doing good just got harder!!

Yes one has the satisfaction after all the plans one makes come together and one can sense how happy the beneficiaries react , that it was all worthwhile .. But getting there this year was tough!!  Since the “demise” of the Good Hope Centre as a communal venue, searching for a large enough facility presents its challenges. Whilst we were lucky in 2015 to have Checkers provide us with warehouse space, the search in 2016 for similar proved fruitless. No landlord or agent was prepared, 3 or more months before August to commit to having space available in the traditional month for the magical day. Just a whisper in the ear of our dear Premier, Helen Zille, and the Bellville Velodrome was available. In 3 weeks we made it happen and when one deals with bureaucracy that is quick! Many forms have to be completed and submitted. One has to get neighbourhood support that ultimately the event won’t disrupt the peace and harmony in the area ... and all that is a must. Then, to make the place “people friendly” certain temporary structures have to be in place. That means on site visits, quotations etc... It all came together in a magical way on 21 August. Even the much needed rain half way through the day dampened not one spirit. The liquid sun shone through brightly in the Velodrome!

We acknowledge Paul Zuckerman, Shannonlee Leving, Vichar Gira, Aimee Isaacs and Albert Glass for the pictures taken in 2016.

Live Entertainment

An exciting element of this communal initiative has been the provision of live entertainment at ONE to ONE. That facet of enjoyment complements the activities of the stalls with alternative forms of excitement and a reason to enjoy the day.

Those providing such entertainment do so willingly and bring something special to the day in the manner they express their talents.

In addition more than just the entertainers are involved. Equipment has to be brought in and assembled and artists brought in to perform. Friends and family too are swept up in that enthusiasm of providing the live entertainment.

A huge and grateful “thank you“ to the following who gave of themselves so willingly and joined in the magic of the day:

Stavro Michel | Fairmont High Drummies | Beau Soleil Music Centre | Tasneem & Wahieb singers | Elkanah Drum Line

Included in the group who provided the entertainment in 2015 was someone known to all as the Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille. The Premier committed herself last year to entertain in 2015.  She diligently prepared and rehearsed and brought an enthusiasm and excitement unique of itself. And in recognition of her efforts we changed her name to "Helen of Joy".

Friends

Stall Holders from 2016

These are the organisations that participated in the 2016 ONE to ONE Event: