Throughout my career, my mission has been to uplift the lives of those in need. Prior to my decision to dedicate myself to community work, I ran my very successful Personnel Consultancy along similar lines, in that I was passionate about my candidates’ upward mobility in their careers. Furthermore, I showed a keen interest in finding out about the makeup of their families which resulted in the establishment of a more meaningful, respectful and grateful rapport. Similarly, I attribute my success in the world of philanthropy to what I consider to be my strengths: the ability to make every person I meet feel that no one else matters to me for the duration of a counselling session, my strength as a good and compassionate listener, my non-judgmental stance towards the needy and the assurance of absolute trust and confidentiality. I am currently employed by the Jewish Community Restaurant which provides three-course home-made meals to the needy which, for most, is their main meal of the day. Unlike a traditional soup kitchen, the meals are served in a congenial and welcoming restaurant environment which, for most, is a long-forgotten experience and which also addresses another urgent issue, namely loneliness. The Restaurant is open 5 days a week, providing either a late lunch or an early supper.

In the latter years of my life, I hope to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of those I endeavour to assist. I would like to see the JCR increasing the number of people using our facility and I would like to come up with new initiatives which would fulfil their core needs in a way that minimises their feelings of shame and inadequacy.

My vision I share with all South Africans, namely, to create an integrated “rainbow nation” where all different cultures support one another, learn from one another in the unique South African “Ubuntu” way.