Inspiration

On the 19th of January 2002, as a result of some mid-life soul searching, David Burton embarked on a mission to enlist support for the formation of a Foundation to combat benevolence inertia and to Brighten the Lives of South Africans living in less than ideal conditions by circulating a letter to friends and colleagues.

Below is an excerpt from his letter:

“What I am aiming at is to harness those little bits and pieces of money/time/goodwill/consciousness etc. that are otherwise allowed to evaporate or are wastefully employed. I know that these reserves are out there amongst us because I see it in myself and those around me. Through a process of interactive communication, challenging discussion, responsible research and tangible results, momentum will be generated towards the betterment of our society.”

In March 2002, the first meeting of the Solstice Foundation’s prospective members was held. The meeting was held in the BOE Auditorium in the V&A Waterfront and 15 people attended. The proposed constitution of the Foundation was tabled, an inaugural executive committee was elected and the Foundation began its journey.