1000 Drawings Jozi began over eight years ago when Felix Frankenberger and David Quan Chong got together because inner city soup kitchen, Paballo Ya Batho, had their delivery bakkie stolen, and they needed to raise money. The rest, as they say, is history. Phiri was part of the 2009 team at the inaugural event at Old Park Station. He was asked to share some of his highlights from years gone by.
“I loved meeting people from different backgrounds, countries, ethnic and social classes. There’s nothing better to keep you connected than interacting with people from every part of society. I’ve also been able to explore different parts of Jozi on behalf of 1000 Drawings, finding hidden gems in the city, where we can hold doodle sessions,” he says.
“There’s nothing like doodling with children to bring out the pure joy of creating and the kids of 5Cees do just that. Another project I loved being part of is the
Boitumelo Project Outreach Foundation. These ladies have contributed beautiful A5 embroidery artworks.”
Phiri adds that it’s been great participating in Night of 1000 Drawings with future doctors that come and volunteer.
"It’s also amazing getting creative with The University of Johannesburg RAG Volunteers. They always help by pitching up for a few hours with NOATD before returning to burn the midnight oil for exams,” he adds.
Each year has been special and in 2016 even more people are contributing to meaningful change in their communities. Phiri adds that as the Rainbow Nation, we have a lot societal issues to overcome.
“Let’s not be disheartened but emerge steadfast and embrace our challenges and rectify the problems at hand. Our focus for 1000 Drawings #GiveADoodle 2016 is on the inner city of Jozi, where it all began. Last year we raised R120 000 for
Streetlight Schools, and this year we’re hoping to double that,” he says.