The end of year rush has started … Projects need to be completed. Budgets need to be spent. Exams start soon. That feeling of burnout can feel quite overwhelming.

So…I thought it might be worth taking your mind off things & sharing some great initiatives from a few of Conversation Station’s (that’s my business) clients.

Francis and Terry Rogan Physiotherapists

These two physiotherapists have bought a whole bunch of Secret Santa Shoebox names and opened it up to their clients to support. Simply “Pick a name, fill a box or two, drop it off, we will do the rest.” Physiotherapists with heart.

Just a few months ago, Francis was also part of the Sunflower Fund Everest Challenge, running up & down the Westcliff steps to raise funds for stem cell donation. Go check Francis in action!

I see passion in the work they do but love how they make time for others.

Educo Solutions

FREE, yes you heard right, education to South African youth in Soweto and Alex. Be between 18 & 28 years old, unemployed and come along to learn SETA-accredited computer and business skills. For more information and qualifying criteria, go here.

With SA’s dire unemployment figures, this is a lifeline for someone out there. Please help to spread the word!

Brenda Taylor (aka CocoJade Distillery)

Brenda is collecting clothes, food, bedding and pretty much anything for a family close to her after their house burnt down in Lawley near Orange Farm. As she puts it, if your house burns down, you need everything! For Vongani, Phumzile and Siya, their end of year stress is very real after losing everything they owned. Let that sink in. If you’d like to donate, message me and will put you in touch with Brenda.

In choosing clients to work with, it’s usually the proof of their actions which tells me more about their values than any business plan they develop. You will want to support this amazing entrepreneur in future. Watch this space. *Not only because of gin.*

WIBT & PDA International Africa

In partnership with NICOSA & Khensani’s Collection, the team from Women In Business Today (WIBT) & PDA International Africa ran a series of workshops with high school kids in Diepsloot to teach them about navigating life beyond school. They played a board based simulation game which taught them to understand the career options available to them.

An incredibly enriching and empowering initiative! Thank you Matthew and Wade.

School Aid SA

So most of you know that I grew up as an avid reader and even went on to study Library Science after high school. So refurbishing libraries across schools in South Africa is quite close to my heart. Imagination is one of the strongest tools to escape the evils of this world.

“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” ― J.K. Rowling

Check out (& please follow their Facebook page & Instagram account) for amazing stories across SA. Here’s a little video I made to pull at those heart strings!

There’s a lot more going on but sometimes instead of listening to the negativity going on around me, I remember that a few people in my circle are doing extraordinary things.

It’s the small things that make a big difference.