Empathy in a Time of Crisis – 8

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

Hope is Contagious – A Rainbow Campaign Update

Over the last week – week 8 of this new world – our Rainbow Campaign has continued to blossom. By mid-week, Sandy, our Innovations Manager, had posted over 90 rainbows across the country. The messages that accompanied each rainbow were beautiful, full of love and thanks; an expression of solidarity and care. 

 Then, something amazing began to happen. As the rainbows reached their destinations, we, in turn, began to receive messages as the recipient shared their love and thanks to the sender. Over the following days, we started to receive more rainbow orders, this time from those who had been sent a rainbow. 

Their message of hope was growing.

And it didn’t stop there. From the incredible generosity of those who were able to make donations, Empathy Action, in turn, has been able to help Vashavi, our amazing makers. Lockdown in South Africa has been very difficult for this group of displaced artisans. Unable to sell their beautiful beaded goods on the streets to tourists and, with the prospect of minimal tourism in the next few months, they are struggling to make ends meet. Funds raised by the Rainbow Campaign have meant that Empathy Action were able to help cover the rent on Vashavi’s accommodation, hopefully providing some stability for the artisans at this difficult time.

We’ve been watching in awe at how one small act – the sending of a rainbow – sparks another and another. Whether it’s brightening a teacher’s ‘tricky day’ or ensuring shelter in a time of need, each small action carries its own magic; a message of solidarity and hope.

 As Sandy, our Innovations Manager, has said “It’s been a huge privilege to be conveying the beautiful messages that people are sending.”

We still have some Rainbows and we’d love to send them for you! 

Please do get in touch and spread the message of hope and solidarity – empathy in a time of crisis.