Mandela Day with GraySwan Wealth
Happy Mandela Day! Throughout the Village today, Mr. Mandela's memory is being respectfully honoured through acts of kindness and generosity. We know that the Somerset West Village Garden is collecting dry food items for their gardeners, while the Sir Lowry's Pass Paint Magic mural team is painting alongside the community outside Joyce's Kitchen. And we have one more inspiring story to share…
Have you ever driven past Helderberg Hospital on Lourensford Road and noticed a woman walking with a small blanket bundle? She may very well have welcomed that precious bundle of joy into the world in the maternity ward just hours or days earlier. What a profound moment – for both mother and child. And what a meaningful opportunity to offer a little extra love and support to a woman in need.
That's exactly what Tania Theron from GraySwan Wealth thought as she drove past one day. Instead of simply wondering, she and her son, Guillaume Theron (Grade 7 Somerset House), decided to take action. The GraySwan Charitable Trust aspires to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the less privileged and goes beyond mere financial giving—they believe in personal involvement and building genuine relationships with those they help.
At a recent Village Collective event, Tania's husband and co-founder of GraySwan, Duncan Theron, spoke about the importance of local involvement:
"We love this community. We're a business that cares deeply about this town. Think about what you can bring—time, money, ideas, passion—and bring it."
The GraySwan Charitable Trust has maintained a long-standing relationship with Helderberg Hospital and its CEO, Ms. Sharon Leo. They have blessed hospital staff with shoes on various occasions, but decided to surprise new mothers with beautiful goodie bags filled with essential toiletries. The mothers were deeply appreciative, and their faces lit up with joy!
This act of kindness perfectly exemplifies that sentiment in action. So today, on Mandela Day, we invite you, Somerset West, to take a moment. Notice what's happening around you. Get creative with what's already in your hands. And then, take meaningful action.