Why I gave away all my book's royalties

I have been asked on numerous occasions why all the royalties of my autobiography ‘Racing on Empty’ go to the Sozo Foundation – it’s a simple answer!

I remember the day Jeff and I first visited the Sozo Foundation in Vrygrond, Cape Town – I was blown away by the stark difference between the world outside its high protective gates in relation to the one inside its perimeter. Outside the community battled the daily dangers of crime, violence, addiction, abuse and gangsterism. Inside it was happiness, laughter and young smiling faces learning new skills, having the opportunity of an education and a chance of making a life for themselves.  

Anton and Elana Cuyler, founders of the Sozo foundation, showed Jeff and I around the facilities – we met a group of youngsters learning to be baristas and were also thrilled to sample some of the coffee. Their joy and passion for what they were doing was infectious plus I never say no to a good cup of coffee. Next we walked around the many classrooms filled with computers, books and more. The quietest room was the digital design room with about twenty students all so focused they barely looked up from their screens. That day we also watched groups learn carpentry and another group the skills of baking. What struck me the most was the passion each child had to learn, whether it was a helping hand with homework or studying for a diploma or learning a new skill. Anton explained to us that many of these youngsters would become the bread winners for their families. These young people were going out from Sozo and changing their community. A community that had no High school, no police station and no medical centre.

When we drove out of the Sozo security gates and into Vrygrond – my heart broke at what I saw. You become very aware that it’s not a safe place but its more than that – these families live in terrible conditions – words cannot describe what you see. But there is a big BUT – there is hope and it turned up in 2010 when Anton and Elana stepped in to open a door to new beginnings. Initially with the support of Bay City Church they formulated a program that now has 33 staff supporting all who walk in their doors.

It’s a living organisation that equips and empowers each child to live with dignity, hope and purpose. I suppose what struck me the most was the unconditional love you saw and felt.

My decision to give all the royalties to the Sozo Foundation was an easy one: because I know that every Pound, Euro and Dollar will be utilised to help, love and give hope to a community that deserves so much more.

All images and film used with express permission from the Sozo Foundation.