BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE
Category Community Upliftment
The property market revolves, to a large degree, around our perceptions of life. By getting involved in our communities, we have the power to be change-makers for the good
As much as we'd all like to, our contributions for the betterment of communities isn't likely to match the work done by organisations such as Gift of the Givers...but that's no reason why we shouldn't be rolling up our sleeves, and doing what we can for the greater good. It's our neighbourhood, our community, our suburb, our province - we can make a difference, no matter how small.
We all know that it has been a challenging few years, but in some instances, it's been the catalyst for individuals, groups and businesses like us at Wakefields, to identify needs in the numerous communities in which we work...and step up to help.
Recently there was a clean-up of Inanda Road in the Upper Highway area. The difference was remarkable. Not only to the state of the roadside, but the mood of the community who actioned it. Little brings people together as much as a common goal, as we've seen repeatedly when this province has faced hardships. There was a great sense of optimism, definite sense of humour, and a heart-warming feeling that comes from making a difference. And done once, the momentum is established, and the positivity becomes contagious.
At Wakefields, we operate exclusively in Kwazulu-Natal, so being closely involved in the various regions in which we operate, fits into our community ethos. Our staff live, work and play in those areas, so they have their ears to the ground - they see a need, and do their best to fill it. Everybody has their areas of expertise: food for pet shelters, caretaking of verges, fund raising for various charities, running, knitting, baking, you name it...they're there. And they get enormous pleasure out of providing help for those who need it.
Negativity is draining - no, we're not confusing it with realism - but it's not helpful or even healthy. Look around. It's always easy to identify those community members, colleagues, friends and even strangers, who always get up and show up, sleeves rolled up, when something needs to be done, for the greater good. They're the ones who, no matter what, put their hands up for others.
It's about looking around, looking beyond our own lives and indeed, our properties, and extending our reach to nearby beaches, parks, nature reserves, and do whatever we can to restore what needs restoring. Let our children learn from our example - join in that beach clean up after the storm, swim 100 lengths to fund another child to go to the national gala, and help maintain a food garden for those in need. Just as Honorary Rangers in our game parks work tirelessly, free, to ensure that the most menial of tasks and maintenance is done...let's do it in our neighbourhoods, for our neighbours.
At Wakefields, particularly as a family owned and operated business, we see ourselves as an integral part of the communities in which we operate. We aren't separate. Our staff enjoy contributing time, effort and skills to their particular neighbours - and like so many other companies, we see that as an extension of who we are. Even if it's simply making a corner of your suburb better looking or cleaner or safer for others, as they say, just do it.
Author: Myles Wakefield | CEO
