Happy National Women’s Day for yesterday! How privileged are we to live in a time and a country where we as women have the freedom to thrive? It is almost impossible to imagine that 63 years ago, we weren’t seen as equal and that we couldn’t work, speak, study and vote like men did. While we celebrate this day in South Africa, it’s important to remember that some of our worldly sisters are still oppressed, and while South African women might have rights, not all enjoy privilege.
Miriam is our family’s domestic worker, she has been with my folks for over 28 years and feels more like a big sister to me than an employee. While I spent the day at the TEARS fundraiser, indulging in a three-course vegan meal and sipping on rosemary-infused G&T’s, Miriam did her washing – and apparently happily so. We are all born under different circumstances and we shouldn’t not enjoy the opportunities that come our way, but it is crucial that we truly appreciate our priviledge and that we have and show gratitude for it. Also, we have a privilege that we often overlook: being in a position to help others. Whatever your passion is – as a woman with power, pay your privilege forward and make a positive difference to others.
So about the TEARS Women’s Day fundraiser… it was honestly such a great event. My dear friend Lara Black, who serves on TEARS’ board, organized a three-course luncheon at The Yard in the V&A Waterfront with celebrity chef, Sarah Graham as hostess. The food was 100% vegan and all the proceeds form the event is donated to TEARS.
On arrival we helped ourselves to a cocktail from the gin bar, while waiting for our table guests to arrive. Our table of eleven included me and my mom, Britney from Wild Plant-based Alchemy and her mom, Taleszia & Candice from Happy Earth People, a friend Hannah, and ProVeg South Africa friends Ivonne, Angel, Rati Lekalakala and her friend. For once, it was so good to be able to sit down and enjoy a vegan event with friends, without being involved in the logistics. While we were catching up over Du Toitskloof wines and BuchuLife water, a selection of canapés were served: Mushroom and Truffel Arancini, Spina and Potato Kababs and Indian Veg Samosa with Sambal Relish. The Arancini (stuffed rice balls which are coated with bread crumbs and then deep fried) were soooo good! I can’t wait to try make them at home!
After canapés, we enjoyed a family-style Indian lunch of Dal Tardka & Spinach Curry, Gem Squash & Barley Risotto, Alo Bobhi Masala, Cauli Rice and Naan. I couldn’t have asked for a more wholesome, hearty plant-based meal. Kudos to Sarah and The Yard’s kitchen team!
Then a trio of desserts arrived: Strawberry Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel Tart and Carrot Cake. As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I don’t have a sweet tooth and the carrot cake was a little too sweet for me, but the Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel Tart was heavenly! Our table called the waitress back for seconds of this melt-in-your-mouth cacao treat.
In between it all we enjoyed three live performances, including an Indian song sung by The Yard’s head chef, and giveaways (including a copy of my cookbook). Angel and Hannah each walked away with an extra Woman’s Day gift. We finished the day off with coffees, hugs and big plans for future collaborations.
Thank you Lara, Sarah, TEARS and The Yard for all the spoils. The vibe and the food was an absolute treat.
If you want to get involved and help the doggies and kitties at TEARS, here’s how:
- donate as a once off or via debit order – even R50 a month makes a massive difference.
- volunteer at the shelter (remember what I said about paying privilege forward)!
- register your MySchool My Village MyPlanet card to support TEARS every time you shop.
- speaking of shopping, support one of their their charity shops.
Love
Leo