WHAT
We at Design Indaba are proud of our global network. It is a gift from our 16-year journey. Yet we know that a network is a privilege and with it comes a responsibility to leverage it for good.
Last week, we were moved by news reports from Somalia. The US Government reported that 29 000 children have died in Somalia in the past 90 days. This spurred us into action and we started to call a few friends.
We have since secured access to a plane, cash and value-in-kind commitments. On Friday 12 August 2011 we dispatched a plane to Mogadishu with 11 tons of food and other provisions.
We've created a logo for this. We can't help ourselves. We are in the design realm after all.
It was inspired by a presentation by Cameron Sinclair of Architecture for Humanity – who is a trailblazer in the deployment of design solutions in emergencies. He suggested a new way of looking at design.
Design, as emergency rescue.
You see, design is really not about objects alone. Design is ultimately about problem-solving. Design can also be about processes, events and campaigns.
We thank all our supporters and friends who have rallied around this cause. This mercy flight is only due to the power of collaboration.
More love,
Team Design Indaba
WHY
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HOW
"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have." - Vince Lombardi
Interactive Africa enlisted the support of companies, from around the country, for the mercy flight to Somalia, through cash and value-in-kind donations.
A trust account has been set up at Bowman Gilfillan. We are hoping that more companies will take up the challenge and contribute to this cause, so that we may send more flights to Somalia over the ensuing weeks.
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Name: |
Bowman Gilfillan Inc. Trust Account |
For further information and high-res images, please contact:
Dale Cupido
Tel: +27 21 465 9966
Email: dale [at] interactiveafrica [dot] com
Quotes
"Having a network is a privilege and with it comes a responsibility to leverage it for good."
Ravi Naidoo
Managing Director
Interactive Africa
"Our humanity dictates that we at Tiger Brands must assist to alleviate this crisis."
Peter Matlare
Chief Executive Officer
Tiger Brands
"Foodcorp is the third largest food manufacturer in South Africa offering a large, diverse and well-balanced product basket ranging from staples to some of South Africa’s best-known consumer brands and ready-to-eat meals. We are committed to meeting the needs of our consumers and ensuring that our products offer the best nutritional benefits possible. Foodcorp believes that a business has to have heart and that means giving back to those in need. Foodcorp supports local communities in which our bakeries and factories operate by providing millions of Rand’s worth of essential foods annually. In light of the devastating situation in Somalia where men, women, children and babies are dying of hunger daily, we are delighted to help by sending some of our staple offerings such as Tafelberg Maize Meal, Glenryck Pilchards and Monati Sorghum to assist in the fight against hunger."
Justin Williamson
Group CEO Foodcorp
"Thank you for allowing us to be part of this magnificent effort. To be in a position to help, even in a small way, is one of God's blessings!"
Robbie Brozin
Chief Creative Officer
Nando’s
"We're very happy to be playing a small part in the relief effort. We're hoping this flight will be one of many more to be supported by caring South Africans. If a single life is saved it will have made this trip worthwhile"
Gidon Novick
Joint CEO
kulula.com
Gallery
Boeing 737-200
Postscript
Some years, ago Neville Brody, the esteemed graphic designer, made a presentation at Design Indaba: "Can design feed people?" You can read about it here.
And then, there is the small matter of a cheeky poster by illustrator Frank Chimero, which went viral a few years ago. See it here.
We don’t think design is a panacea for the world's problems – but design, creativity and innovation is an integral part of the source code, in facing down the challenges of the 21st century.
