Over the past four years, Mandela Day has been an opportunity for the SCP Radiology team to take a break from imaging and reading scans to spend time with NGOs and organisations whose work changes lives. This year, teams from various branches supported six different NGOs, each making a meaningful contribution in its own way.
One of these was Down with Dough, a Bellville-based bakery that produces delicious gluten-free baked goods while providing meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
‘Our team of 15, including Managing Partner, Dr Himal Gajjar and members of management and administrative staff, didn’t simply arrive with donations,’ explains Alana Lategan of SCP. ‘We rolled up our sleeves, put on aprons and learned, firsthand, about making Down with Dough’s famous white chocolate and double chocolate brownies.
‘As healthcare professionals, we often speak about care, dignity and inclusion and we certainly saw this during our day in the kitchen. The warmth, patience, respect and pride shown by everyone who works there has left a lasting impression.’
The team also learned about the teamwork, precision and skill needed in a busy commercial bakery producing high-quality, gluten-free products at a time when demand for these foods continues to grow. ‘Most importantly, we saw a workplace where ability is celebrated, a life of appropriate independence is created and every individual is empowered to contribute with confidence,’ says Lategan.
But actions speak louder than words and SCP’s order for 800 Down with Dough brownies spoke volumes about their admiration for the process and product. The brownies will be distributed to staff during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, supporting this remarkable social enterprise and, of course, sharing the best gluten-free brownies in town.
‘Mandela Day reminds us that small acts of service can create lasting partnerships and we thank the incredible team at Down with Dough for welcoming us and look forward to many more opportunities to learn, volunteer and support the bakery.’
To learn more about Down with Dough or support the bakery, go to: www.downwithdough.co.za
