The Tzu Chi Foundation in Bedfordview held its Volunteer Day, which aims to spread love by assisting those in need, on 17 June 2023. The foundation hosts the Volunteer Day programme, which started in March 2023, on the third Saturday of each month.
This event is open to the public and all are welcome to learn about the work the foundation does. By attending, you will learn new skills like sushi making, which was part of the programme in June. They are looking for volunteers from the public to also share skills at these days. The participants get to partake in a wholesome vegetarian lunch based on the foundation’s principle of a healthy diet that is based on more vegetables.
Some hands-on activities are based at the Jing Si hall on Riley Road. A team may either go to the Exercise Room in Tembisa, which was established by Tzu Chi to help stroke and injured patients recover and rehabilitate through simple exercise routines. Another possible visit is to the residents of United Cerebral Palsy Association of SA (UCPA), in the south of Johannesburg. Here the team interact with the residents and dance with them, bringing joy and laughter.
At one Volunteer Day, participants were taught how to make greeting cards by Carol Payne, who is also a Ward 20 committee member. The special Iris folding technique was a firm favourite with the children and adults alike.
Another class facilitated by the Tzu Chi team taught the participants how to make dumplings. ‘It was great fun learning a new skill. The best part was we got to savour the dumplings we made as part of the delicious vegetarian lunch. I now have a new found respect for dumplings,’ said Mona Naidoo, a Ward 20 committee member and volunteer at Tzu Chi.
The next Volunteer Day is on Saturday 15 July 2023 with registration at 08:30 and ending at 15:00. The programme for this day will include a choice of visiting the Exercise room in Tembisa or doing two activities at Jing Si hall. The planned activities are a samoosa making class and a floral arrangement class.
Tzu Chi looks forward to welcoming the public to their next Volunteer Day and participating in a fun day. Participants are required to please reserve a space by contacting Linda on 079 881 7412 or by mailing admin@tzuchi.org.za.
Tzu Chi South Africa
011 450 3365
https://www.facebook.com/TzuchiSA/
