Here’s to new beginnings

Like most of you, after a very challenging year, we at Impact100 SA are planning on enthusiastically celebrating the end of 2020 and welcoming the new year with great optimism.
 
Given this year has tested everyone and the costs to our society and economy have been enormous, it might be easy to despair and overlook some of the silver linings. This year we have been heartened by the kindness and generosity of donors and the resourcefulness of our charity partners when they have been confronted with COVID-19 related restrictions and lockdowns.  
 
Not only have we been able to utilise videoconferencing technology and been able to work, study and socialise with colleagues, family and friends remotely, at Impact100 SA we have witnessed an increased sense of connectedness and sense of community.
 
Despite the need for social distancing, people have found ways to connect, be it standing outside our houses for the ANZAC dawn service, on social media platforms, offering help or delivering groceries to our elderly neighbours or by  donating to those in need or volunteering in some way. 

We have cheered on as we watched our businesses and charities innovate and bounce back by offering online charity auctions, or restaurants implementing takeaway meals and South Australian companies like Detmold making facemasks or Prohibition Liquor Co making hand sanitiser.

One of the biggest positives for our community has been the opportunity for reflection and coming out of that, a new sense of gratitude and appreciation for so many things that we took for granted previously, be they the  freedom to travel, to hug our friends,  to socialise at restaurants and hotels and to play and watch sport and theatre.

COVID-19 has taught us that no matter how difficult times are, we need to support each other. It has also taught us that collectively, together, we can achieve so much more than if we try to do it alone.   Furthermore, in the words of Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, “If you are fortunate to have opportunity, it is your duty to make sure that other people have those opportunities as well.”

So, here’s to the power of all of us with opportunity and good fortune coming together to make a difference and to help others. With our best wishes for kinder, more connected and contented world in 2021.