Faculty donates R1 million to Gift of the Givers Foundation
- Faculty Communications
Researchers from the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences and Wits Health Consortium recently pledged R1m to the Gift of the Givers in support of their aid efforts.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest non-governmental disaster response organisation on the African continent. Their purpose is to unite people with a common vision, by serving mankind for the greater good. This purpose transcends race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation and geographic location.
Since its inception in 1992, the Gift of the Givers Foundation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people across South Africa and the globe.
This donation embodies the spirit of ‘Wits. For Good’, which is what the University prides itself on. It serves to support the Foundation’s continued commitment to humanitarian aid, social upliftment, ensuring equitable and accessible health care services, and providing assistance where it is needed the most.
“It is our privilege to play a small part in supporting the role that Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and the Foundation play in our society,” said Professor Shabir Madhi, Dean of the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences. “Dr Sooliman and his team have shown what it means to be truly compassionate, particularly in the face of human suffering.”
The Gift of the Givers is currently providing aid and disaster relief to communities decimated by the looting in KwaZulu-Natal. Their call for peace and an end to ‘racial warring’ is welcomed at a time when tensions are high and conflict has resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods.
“At times like these, the strongest message we can send in defence of our democracy is to stand together and show solidarity and caring for those South Africans that are most affected,” said Professor Helen Rees, Wits Health Consortium Board Member and Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health Institute.
The Wits Faculty of Health Sciences has expressed its gratitude to all those who contributed towards the donation of R1 million, and calls on other universities and learning institutions to match or better the pledge.
For more information about the Gift of the Givers, visit: Gift of the Givers Foundation