It was the arrival of the cold weather that prompted Joburg Ballet Artistic Director Iain MacDonald to propose the idea of a drive to collect blankets, scarves and socks for those in need to Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatre.
Iain explained: “I was driving to work one day when I saw a man asleep on the street with nothing covering him other than the clothes he wore. It was particularly cold that day and I knew there and then that we had to do something. Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema and Justine Lipson from the Joburg Theatre didn’t hesitate when I proposed this idea. A big thank you goes to them both.”
Subsequent to this, Ms Nduneni-Ngema announced that the Joburg Theatre in conjunction with Joburg Ballet would drive this initiative proposed by Iain MacDonald for all theatre patrons. “And I’m delighted to confirm that both the Soweto and Roodepoort Theatres will be joining Joburg Theatre in driving the Joburg Ballet Warmer Winter Drive initiative,” she said.
With the objective being to collect as many blankets, scarves and socks as possible from theatre patrons and others, large receiving containers are placed in the foyers of the participating theatres. All items collected are being distributed by The Angel Network to its beneficiaries.
Help spread some warmth this winter by blanketing those in need. Bring unused scarves, socks and blankets when you come to the theatres. Every little bit helps!