Dear Ladles Supporter
This week we share a heartfelt story with a difference. This is a story that brings to life the joy that comes from corporate citizens being in service to others and when this is formalised into a purposeful partnership, it has the power to accelerate change in the most amazing way.
Zelda Mncube who heads up our Love Activists ‘Team Building’ Department, shares the story:
“When the DHL International Delegation arrived at our warehouse, something extraordinary happened. Within minutes, language barriers disappeared, job titles became irrelevant, and more than 105 people from different countries, cultures and corners of the world became one team with one purpose: to make a difference.
The warehouse came alive with an energy that is difficult to put into words. There was music, laughter, friendly competition, and a genuine sense of excitement as delegates rolled up their sleeves and immersed themselves in every activity. Some were spreading peanut butter and jam onto hundreds of slices of bread destined for vulnerable communities, while others carefully coloured educational bags and learning posters that would soon brighten Early Childhood Development centres. Across the room, teams chopped mountains of fresh vegetables that would be transformed into nutritious meals for children and families.
What made the day even more special was that the impact was unfolding in real time. While delegates worked at the various activity stations, ECD principals from our beneficiary centres stood alongside our Dignity Kitchen Chef, Anas, preparing and cooking the meals using the vegetables that had just been chopped by the volunteers. It created a powerful connection between those giving their time and those who would ultimately benefit from it.
One of the highlights of the day came when delegates had the opportunity to taste the meals before they were collected by the ECD principals and taken back to their centres and communities. It transformed the experience from simply volunteering into something far more meaningful: participants could see, touch and experience the full journey of their contribution.
What struck me most was seeing a global organisation choose to step away from boardrooms, presentations and strategy sessions to connect with the realities faced by vulnerable communities. The DHL team didn’t simply arrive to volunteer; they arrived to serve, to learn and to be part of something bigger than themselves.
As we stood back and watched delegates from around the world working side by side in our warehouse, it became clear that this was much more than a Team Build with Purpose. It was the beginning of a relationship built on shared values, collective action and a belief that business can be a powerful force for good.”
As Jane Falck-Koeller our Head of Partnerships says: “What started as a once-off volunteer experience in our Warehouse, has grown into a meaningful partnership. DHL has committed to funding a preschool in our Nourish Our Children programme by providing nutritious meals and nutrition training. Furthermore, in the spirit of ubuntu they are joining us at our Mandela Day Hands-On Event at DHL Stadium and challenging corporates to get involved too”.
We invite you to team up with us, as when passion, purpose and partnership come together, extraordinary things happen.
Danny Diliberto
Danny and the Ladles of Love Team ❤️
