Serve to Grow Foundation hosts Saree Safari fundraiser at Bossa Kempton Park

The Serve to Grow Foundation hosted a Saree Safari showcase fundraising event at Bossa Kempton Park on October 4.
The Legends band kept attendees entertained throughout the day.

Event organisers Gavin and Melissa Huber said the idea came from wanting to bring together two things close to their hearts — service and culture.

“We wanted to create something beautiful and joyful around Diwali, while also using the occasion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Sarees have so much history, beauty and emotion attached to them, and we wanted to celebrate that while turning them into a vehicle for giving,” said Gavin.

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Gavin said the Saree Safari was about taking something beautiful and giving it a greater purpose, noting that a saree can be worn, treasured, passed down, redesigned or given to someone who may never have had the opportunity to own one.

He said they chose the idea of a ‘safari’ because it represents a journey of culture, fashion, generosity and service.

The couple said funds raised will go towards their ongoing community projects, particularly the Diwali feeding and food-parcel initiative.

“We will be supporting families with food parcels and bringing the spirit of Diwali to people who may otherwise not experience it in the same way. Importantly, the funds also help us continue the many other projects we run throughout the year,” said Gavin.

Gavin said their goal was simply to raise as much as possible.

“Every rand makes a difference to us because we are a grassroots organisation and we see directly where the support goes. The money helps us purchase food, support families and continue our feeding schemes and community projects. We don’t want people to underestimate what even a small contribution can do when many hearts come together.”

Gavin said they have partnered with Bossa Kempton Park for several years and that this event was a continuation of that relationship.

“Bossa Kempton Park gave us a wonderful space to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We wanted the event to feel like a celebration rather than simply a fundraiser — somewhere people could enjoy good food, music, fashion and friendship while knowing they were contributing to something meaningful,” he said.

Saree Safari participants Sussie Pillay, Cynthia James, Sharmila Singa and Devi Chadayan showcased items by modelling and dancing for attendees.

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Gavin said they wanted women who brought their own personality and creativity to the showcase and understood that the event was about more than fashion.

Each woman brought something special to help create the spirit of the Saree Safari, which came together through shared relationships and a love of service.

The couple said they hoped attendees left with something meaningful in their hearts.

“I want people to remember that there are families, children, elderly people and vulnerable communities who need support. We can enjoy beautiful things, celebrate our culture and still make a difference. You don’t have to be wealthy to serve — you simply have to be willing to give something of yourself,” said Gavin.

“Culture gives us a beautiful way to connect with one another, and fundraising allows that connection to become action. For us, it’s about creating a community where people celebrate together and then ask, ‘How can we help someone else?’”

Gavin said the turnout was heart-warming, with community members contributing donations, time and talents.

“What touches me most is that our community understands that service isn’t about recognition. It’s about doing something because someone needs you.”

He added that while they would love to grow the initiative, their main focus remains finding creative ways to bring people together and turn connections into meaningful service. He thanked supporters for helping them serve with dignity, love and compassion.

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The Serve To Grow Foundation was established in 2021 however it has been running in other formats for over 20 years, with the vision of making a practical difference in communities through service.

Over the years, it has grown into a foundation involved in projects across Gauteng, supporting feeding schemes, children, seniors, women, families and vulnerable communities.

Elaine Best, from Bossa Kempton Park, said they believe in the power of community and bringing people together for a meaningful cause.

“Partnering with The Serve to Grow Foundation for Saree Safari was an opportunity to support an organisation that is making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. We loved the creativity behind the initiative, particularly how it brings people together through fashion, sustainability and service to others,” said Best.