Joane aims to make a difference in the lives of others

SECUNDA – No act of kindness is ever wasted and everyone has the power to improve someone’s life.

Ms Joane Parsons, who grew up in Secunda and now works for a large engineering company in town, believes everyone is capable of making a difference in the lives of others and founded the Secunda Act of Kindness movement to help people see the needs of others.

“Though I have always tried to be kind and to help where I can, I decided to commit myself to making a difference about two years ago.”

“I had lost my father to cancer and his kindness, the type of man that he was and the way he lived daily were my inspirations for this movement.”

“He always went out of his way to be kind.

“When he saw someone in need, he would always try to help them.”

Ms Parsons explained what she hopes to achieve with Secunda Act of Kindness: “The very first act of kindness that we did, was to clean up a park near my home.

“About 12 people responded to a call for volunteers on our Facebook page, and Mr Coen van Zyl, from Skipgo volunteered to help us with the removal of the rubble.”

“This response and the conversations I had with the volunteers, made me realise that many people want to get involved, but do not know where to begin.

“People soon began posting on our Facebook page and volunteers became involved, because they became aware of specific needs in the community.

“I do not want any need to go unmet just because people think they should be formally involved with Secunda Act of Kindness before they can donate or help out.

“You definitely do not have to work through us to make a difference.

“Look around you, see your neighbour, your colleague or the man on the street and do something kind for them.”

Ms Parsons believes every person is capable of making a change and hopes to plant the seed of kindness in the minds of locals.

“This is simply a way to help people become involved, and maybe inspire them to make a difference.

“There are many ways to help someone and as soon as you begin to look around you, you will realise how many people could benefit from your kindness.

“Once you have identified a need, it only takes a little creativity and some commitment, and you are set.

“It is important that people understand that this is not a foundation or a charity organisation, but rather a community movement.”

Ms Parsons has honoured her father’s memory by hosting a golf day in aid of Cansa last year.

“My dad was an avid golfer, so I told him I would host a day in his honour.

“The Joe Jackson Charity Golf Day became a reality with the help of the Wild Bunch NCP and Cansa, and the second annual Joe Jackson Day will be hosted at Graceland on 8 April.”

Going forward, Ms Parsons hopes to remain involved with as many acts of kindness as possible and to continue to inspire others through Secunda Act of Kindness, but she also has a number of specific projects on the horizon.

“One of my biggest dreams is to set up a type of community garden in the parks around Secunda , gardens that grow vegetables where anyone can come and pick

fresh, healthy food.

“Imagine the difference such a source of free, nutritious food can make to the lives of a struggling family and image knowing that you are helping parents put food on their tables.”

Ms Parsons’ excitement about the possibilities of the community coming together, is evident in the animated way she speaks about the movement.

“I am not here for any kind of glory or fame, I am simply here because my father taught me never to turn a blind eye to suffering and to be aware of the needs of others.

“I know even something as small as a kind greeting, a glass of water or a plate of food at the right time, can make a big impact and change their whole day.

“Maybe even their lives.”