03/07/24
South Africa is a country of remarkable beauty and striking contradictions. Its stunning landscapes stand in sharp contrast to the deep divide between the rich and the poor, between those with endless opportunities and those struggling for survival. Hout Bay mirrors this reality, where breathtaking scenery masks the harsh disparities between advantaged and disadvantaged communities.
It’s 7am and I am sitting by my desk, reflecting on the fundraiser event that took place +- two weeks ago at The Sentinel Ocean Alliance.
The fruitful nature of the event has taken me some time to digest and therefore the reason why I have taken a moment to reflect.
Sometimes in life, it is scary to acknowledge or act upon what your gut is strongly wanting to bring forth. This event has been manifesting since I started volunteering at The Sentinel Ocean Alliance. The joy, love and difference that the foundation has created for The Hout Bay Community and its surrounds, has been unmatched.
Sentinel Ocean Alliance was founded in 2018 to create opportunities for underserved coastal communities and at-risk youth in Hout Bay. The founder, Frank Solomon, a professional big wave surfer who grew up on these beaches, was introduced to surfing and the ocean at a young age. His travels in search of the biggest waves made him realise the importance of using his position of privilege to help others access similar opportunities.This led to the establishment of Sentinel Ocean Alliance, which offers a safe space for local communities to learn about and develop a love for the ocean. SOA started with the Hout Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, a development initiative that has grown to nearly 60 members and won the Sports Charity of the Year award in 2019. They also partnered with Waves For Change, a mental health program that uses surfing as therapy.
In December 2020, with the support of Parley For The Oceans, they launched the world’s first Parley Ocean School. Additionally, their Turn The Tide swimming program combines mindfulness, ocean theory, and practical swimming lessons to teach children how to swim and connect with the ocean. Today, Sentinel Ocean Alliance runs comprehensive programs that provide unique ocean education and immersion experiences for the underprivileged youth of South Africa’s coastal communities.
The first year that I volunteered at SOA was in my leave of absence in October, 2022. From what once was a place of admiration (and still is), became my safe place where I could engage with inspiring individuals. Every time I stepped onto the campus, I feel like I learnt something new in various regards. Even though I was not a huge part in the foundation, what I have gained is priceless. I feel honoured to have been working so closely with not only the SOA team, but also the children.
My faith in SOA has grown and I have felt in my heart that I would love to give more of myself, where I can.
A Journal entry: 26 May ’24
I am sitting at Sentinel, with a cup of coffee in hand. There is nothing more peaceful for me than sitting by the ocean with my journal, soaking up the sunshine.
Every day is an opportunity to become more present, through the source of creation - God… the base of freedom - of continuous love, joy, guidance and protection. From there, using the presence to move forward… having the freedom in knowing that I am guided in all areas of my life - work, relationships and health. For me, ultimate freedom is to be able to use my body and mind to its fullest potential… daily. Each day an opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge mentally and physically. Success to me means living a full, simple life.
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From this morning, I recognised the bubbling of inspiration to do something more, outside of my being. Since that moment forward, through prayer and faith in His guidance, I approached the SOA team. We openly chatted over a cup of coffee. Not knowing what this conversation was going to look like, I opened up by asking what the foundation needed. Ideas started coming through and we were all brainstorming ways in which we could honour and celebrate the work that SOA does within the community. Long story short, we decided upon a fundraiser of sorts for the 16th of June (Youth Day). I didn’t know what it would look like but we knew that it would involve yoga, running and coffee.
*Youth Day, celebrated on June 16th in South Africa, honors the courageous students who stood up against the apartheid regime in 1976. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on the power of youth to drive change. By commemorating their bravery, we are reminded of the ongoing need to support and uplift young people in their pursuit of a brighter future.
The Hout Bay Leopards stood out within conversation. The organisation is a trail-running community with the slogan of "consciously exploring the trails of Cape Town's most scenic suburb". After very few encounters and personal experience, I instantly felt a kinship and an alignment with The Hout Bay Leoprds.
Straight after the meeting with the team, I called Kai Forster, the founder of The Hout Bay Leopards and told him about the idea of a fundraiser. He said immediately that he was in. A few days later we meet for coffee and brainstormed ways in which we could make this event fruitful.
To this day, I still can’t verbally express God’s guidance in this all… but the unfolding of everything was a true testament and the honour in having faith.
We decided upon a main focus for the event: A Youth Day Fundraiser for the Sentinel Ocean Alliance, with the focus on health and wellness, as well as a celebration for what the foundation does within the community.
Within a month, things started unfolding organically. We decided to put together a proposal to various brands and sponsors that we felt aligned to. Before no time, brands were on board and the fundraiser started to look more and more structured as the days went by.
The 16th of June finally arrived. With my morning cup of coffee in hand, I stood in the dark with Hot Huts (a mobile sauna company), deciphering where to place the sauna. As the sun started rising, the air became warmer. More sponsors started arriving and it was now starting to feel real. I had a moment of thinking that I could not believe these brands, that I have looked up to for so long, were alongside Kai and I within this event.
A flood of people started coming in, filling up the space with their yoga mats. The energy was alive and bustling.
The process seemed smooth on the day. Everything unfolded as it was supposed to. The joy and love that circled the Sentinel was abundant.
I want to take a moment to give gratitude to everyone involved.
Firstly, to the SOA team, for being so open and trusting of me to do something for their foundation. Then to Kai Forster, for being my right hand. I am truly grateful for all the energy and time that he poured into the event.
A huge thank you goes to all the sponsors that made this event possible: Sealand; Just Cruizin Clothing; Zlaant; Hidden Havens Massage; It’s all Good; Hot Huts; Stance Socks; Kecks; Upwear Active; Happy Culture; Table Mountain Water and of course The Hout Bay Leopards.
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated and participated in this event. Together, we raised over R7500 and collected numerous towel donations for The Sentinel Ocean Alliance. Your generosity and support mean the world to us.
Link to Sponsors:
Sealand:
Just Cruizin:
https://www.justcruizinclothing.com
Zlaant:
https://www.zlaant.com/collections/all-products
Hidden Havens Massage:
https://www.instagram.com/hiddenhavensmassage/
It's All Good:
Hot Huts:
Stance Socks:
https://www.thestorestuff.co.za
Kecks:
Upwear Active:
Happy Culture:
Table Mountain Water:
https://tablemountainwater.co.za
Hout Bay Leopards:
https://www.instagram.com/houtbay.trail.leopards/
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With love,
Hana