God, AIDS, Africa & HOPE

Reflections / Gedanken

11/10/2013 • 1:04 am Comments Off on New York, New York

New York, New York

English: Broadway show billboards at the corne...

English: Broadway show billboards at the corner of 7th Avenue and West 47th Street in Times Square in New York City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Those who had the pleasure of visiting New York say, that the city never sleeps and that New York is not America – somehow like Cape Town is not South Africa.
Being in town and trying to find my way through town – and obviously getting lost between upper Manhattan and some of my destinations – there is always plenty of time to observe people. Amazing how individualistic people are – how mixed – how crazy – how ordinary – how business like – and all in the same metro not even taking notice of each other. How different from Germany or even South Africa, where you can see people glancing at unusual behavior or dressing.
Sitting at a fast food chain near Times Square I observed a family holding hands and praying before starting eating – in full view of others and without any hesitation.
Race seems to be no issue – and how much would I like to see that also in South Africa – as well as the mass transport system of New York, which seems to be orderly chaotic, but at most times functional. Except when there is disruption and you are advised to use other methods of transport, then the poor visitor is lost in transition. 😦

On Monday I will have several meetings, among others with the Fordham University, which is a Catholic institution and a marketing company. I am thrilled to see whether HOPE Cape Town is able to capture the imagination of US Americans in a way which leads to support and partnership. Maybe New York is a good start with its diversity and embrace of a variety of cultures and traditions. To live in such an environment hopefully means to have an open heart and an open mind. Well, lets see what the next days will bring towards more support for HOPE Cape Town. It would be a welcomed addition to all the support and assistance the organization already gets from Europe and South Africa. HOPE Cape Town can only be as strong as the network of supporter and donor is. So cross the fingers that this city which never sleeps has a heart which never stops supporting those in need, even if they live far away in another part of the global village called earth.

Filed under: General, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, Networking, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

11/01/2013 • 3:45 pm Comments Off on Dresden – Berlin – Munich

Dresden – Berlin – Munich

HOPE Gala05The HOPE Gala Dresden is history – and I am still grateful to all and everybody who made this event a success. Various meetings and encounters showed me how deep HOPE Cape Town’s work is meanwhile rooted in the heart of Dresden. It’s a blessing!
With those blessings I arrived in Berlin to meet more people and attend the “Festliche Aids-Gala” of the German AIDS Foundation, one of our main partners in Germany. Only being a guest can be a relief at times, but still such big events are always good for networking and exchange of ideas. Attending such events are more than occasions for small talk, they are opportunities to plant the seed of empathy and knowledge into the hearts of others and to share life across the borders.I find it amazing that in Dresden as well as Berlin the church is not prominently present at such events – it is a question of guessing: is it still the inconvenience of the topic which prevents those higher the hierarchy to attend such events. Or is it accidental that since years exactly the eve of such an event is blocked by another commitment. Just asking…  🙂
Well, let’s hope that the “Francis” effect might change that in the years to come.
I just see that the Vatican has asked the bishops to give even the parish councils the opportunity to comment on topics of family and sexuality which will be the main focus of a synod of bishops in 2014. I am really thrilled to see, that the acknowledgement is visible to ask the whole family of god, and not only those higher up the hierarchy to voice their concerns, joys and troubles. It feels like fresh air – open windows – the vision of Johannes XXIII seems to become realization, touchable for those called the laity within our church.
Another blessing on the way which vitalizes all efforts to change the plight of the people less fortune than most of us are.
Munich will be the last German city to visit before flying to New York City.  No big events but a handful of important meetings with people who carry HOPE Cape Town in their hearts and often on their lips being the best ambassadors for our cause.

 

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Filed under: General, HIV and AIDS, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, HOPE Gala Dresden, Networking, Politics and Society, Reflection, Society and living environment, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10/25/2013 • 10:43 am Comments Off on Despite the floods..

Despite the floods..

DSC03264It is amazing and a blessing: despite the experience of severe flooding in and around Dresden in summer this year and all the suffering and destruction going with it – Dresden is gearing up for the 8th HOPE Gala and the Gala is sold out. Wow, I only can say and humbly salute towards all the people of Dresden. They give an example of refusing to concentrate only on their own plight by still continuing to stand to their commitment to do good also for those far away in South Africa as they have done all the years.

The City of Dresden, Saxonia Systems, ParX under the leadership of Viola Klein – they make it happen again and Saturday the red carpet will be rolled out in front of the Schauspielhaus for all attending this event under the umbrella of the HOPE Kapstadt Stiftung. Coming to Dresden feels for me like coming home and it the last years I had the privilege to stay in different marvelous hotels – this year the swissotel in the midst of the old city. Dresden is really worth a travel any time of the year – the world-famous Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and all the museums and historic buildings lovingly restored are making this city a world-class destination.

The HOPE Gala Dresden is the result of the love of two people from Dresden, whose knot for life was bound in Cape Town in the early hours of HOPE Cape Town’s existence. The promise to assist the project developed in seven great events which constitute the major fundraiser for HOPE Cape Town Trust. And so, Dresden provides hope, life and future for so many in the Western Cape – people, who never will know each other are connected and committed to this connection. For me, this is a modern miracle and shows, that the term “Global village” can be filled meaningful for the good of the people.

I am thrilled to watch the artists performing on Saturday eve “pro bono” – I am thrilled to see the happy face of the lucky winner of a great holiday in South Africa inclusive flights and accommodation or being the new owner of a fashion piece, designed by one of the most famous fashion designer. And I am thrilled to fly back to South Africa to tell our people about the generosity of Dresden.  And to be able to continue to work for those less fortune @ the Cape of Good HOPE.

 

Filed under: HIV and AIDS, HOPE Cape Town Association, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, HOPE Gala Dresden, Reflection, Society and living environment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10/16/2013 • 1:27 pm Comments Off on HOPE Gala in Dresden and much more

HOPE Gala in Dresden and much more

Time again to pack and leave Cape Town for the annual event of the HOPE Gala in Dresden. And this year, it is indeed a special year, where the people of this lovely city pulled together for the Gala after having the devastating floods in spring and battling themselves to get back with their own life. It is with appreciation to note, that despite all the odds the Gala will be once again a festival of good thoughts, helpful hands and lots of fun and joy.
If you have not yet purchased your ticket – the website http://www.hopegala.de will bring you closer to join the event and meet with like-minded people. See you there – Viola Klein has surely with her team and the support of Saxonia Systems (who initiated the Gala), the HOPE Kapstadt Stiftung ( our German trust and the organizers) and all other sponsors (check the logos on the gala website) drawn a full house with the program and not to forget the after-show party. Thank you so much! How much work is going in such an event…

Before the HOPE Gala Dresden I will meet with students from my hometown of Bitburg and engage with them in a lively discussion about HIV and AIDS and what brings South Africa and Bitburg together. It is amazing how much support has come and is still coming from my hometown and I could not be more grateful about it. Another blessing for those, living with the virus here in South Africa.

Berlin and Munich are the other big cities to meet and greet sponsors, supporters and to attend the Festliche AIDS Gala of the German AIDS Foundation. They are such a strong partner for HOPE Cape Town and we wouldn’t be where we are without them. Another big thank you all working for this foundation.

New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are the last stations of this trip – a renewed effort to get fundraising in the USA going. It is a tough one, but never give up is here the motto and with some goodwill we will be able to plant some small seeds of compassion on the other side of the ocean. Press your thumbs and if you know somebody in that area to approach – please let me know. I am delighted to meet new people.

 

Filed under: General, HOPE Cape Town Association, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, HOPE Gala Dresden, Networking, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10/03/2013 • 7:14 am Comments Off on Tell me, what makes HOPE Cape Town special?

Tell me, what makes HOPE Cape Town special?

Planing strategy and looking at the state of affair as it is in the moment: HOPE Cape Town has always to check its relevance and its direction for the future. It is an ongoing process. And as the word “HOPE” is used more often in the broader Cape Town area since the visit of Angela Merkel there is a need to have a proper marketing strategy and a distinctive logo and branding. The logo is in existence and even protected, what keeps an organization in Kwazulu Natal not away from advertising themselves with our logo. It seems some are going to an extreme length to try to cash in.

Nevertheless it would be interesting to hear from our supporters and sponsors what they think is unique or laudable on the work HOPE Cape Town is doing? What do our Facebook and Twitter friends think or value most? Please feel free to give it a thought – check our website if need be and let me know: stefan (at) hopecapetown.com. Or leave a message on our Facebook page, twitter us or comment on this blog.

I would be thrilled to hear from you and to have reflection on the picture as we are received from the outside. It would make another strong contribution to the development of HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust. Hear from you.Many thanks 🙂

SH

Filed under: HOPE Cape Town Association, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, , , , , , , , , ,

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