APRIL 2020

Everyone had hoped that by now lockdown would be a thing of the past and we would be continuing life as it was before. However, sadly we are still mostly having to remain at home, even though we have been lowered to a level 4 alert. This means there are a few extra privileges we can enjoy. We are allowed out for exercises once a day from 6 am to 9 am. Everyone who would like to walk, run, or cycle may do so. On the first day, there was such joy and excitement as people young and old, children, and of course our four-legged friends, burst out of doors and gates, emerging from behind our high walls, as though going on some idyllic, adventurous holiday. Everyone greets each other like long lost friends, with huge smiles that no one could see beneath our masked faces. Our bright, cheery “good morning” greetings and barking dogs with tails wagging joined in too as we passed each other abiding by the new rules of strict social distancing, displaying the joy in our voices and eyes. Everyone knew we were all smiling. It was a glorious warm South African autumn day with the sun shining in the blue sky and the leaves that had fallen scrunching beneath our feet. Much to the delight of many mothers, among others, another big concession awarded us was being able to order takeout meals and have a quick break from the kitchen and all the cooking and dishwashing too. So, all in all, there was lots to feel blessed and grateful for.

This bliss is real, but we have a lot of work to do. There is another reality that comes along with lockdown and COVID-19.

There is still so much to do as work has not resumed for the vast majority of the population. This has increased the desperate need for food and the basic necessities, such as health and hygiene products, are growing daily. Once again we have been concentrating our efforts on the most significant ways we can assist as many people and families as possible who live in abject poverty. The most urgent need is food. To this end, we have given donations to following charities who have the ability to reach the very needy and vulnerable families around us. They are also well established and can easily identify and distribute food parcels and meals directly to these families, especially those in more remote areas where assistance is more difficult to come by.

These donations were made to:

Around the world there are tiny lights appearing at the ends of some long tunnels. Therefore Red Bagels remain optimistic that those lights will grow and spread faster in the coming days and months, and soon we will have spread such a lot of light that we will be able to continue our lives in a much better and happier world.

To strengthen the muscles of your heart, the best exercise is lifting someone else’s spirit.

Have a healthy, blessed month during which you throw kindness around like confetti.

Have a beautiful day.

Powered by love and committed to kindness. Enjoy bringing love and kindness into the world.