Kimon was a friend to OBSID – as a supporter of our work, as a sounding board to me and as a much valued support system to our social development clients.
From the early days of “Working Wednesdays”, she actively looked for ways to improve the lives of those living on the streets in Observatory whilst aligning with OBSID’s social development programme wherever she could.
I have had the privilege of working closely with Kiki since I joined the OBSID in 2018. We’ve spent hours discussing ideas, working out plans, supporting each other through the rough times and having a laugh when one was desperately needed. Kiki’s drive to make the world a better place impacted everyone she met really positively – regardless of whether you were a patron of Ferdinando’s, a staff member of OBSID or someone in need of help.
She cheered us on when we installed our public toilets for the street based community in 2019, and we worked side by side throughout the pandemic, ensuring that we were able to get food and fresh water to this community in the toughest lockdown levels. Kiki “got” the OBSID mandate and did everything she could to support us. We helped people together.
Kiki was a great support to us when OBSID opened housing for previously street-based people and helped us with fundraising and the supply of much needed food. This support continues to today.
She also worked closely with our work-based rehabilitation team each week for over 2 years, teaching human values, stress management techniques and advancing her vision for peace in the community any way she could. Our clients loved their weekly “Working on Wellness” sessions!
Just recently, we had been meeting to throw around ideas about how to create a path via the OBSID social development programme into long term work on an urban farm that Kiki was visualizing for those willing to make changes in their lives and leave the streets. Her vision for this project was clear, as was her commitment to it. This showed in her success in finding a potential funder to come on board to back her. It’s my greatest hope that someone is able to take up the reins of this project and bring it to life in Kiki’s memory – I’m sure it’s what she would have wanted.
Kiki was also integral to the Obs Journey in 2021 and 2022. Conversations and interactions as part of the Journey have unlocked new ideas and opportunities to source services and support for the street based community from development partners, and we hope for positive impact and change in the future.
Our entire team is devastated at her passing and shocked by the suddenness of it. I can’t wrap my head around the magnitude of this loss for the community of Observatory. A very bright light has gone out, and we are all the poorer for it.
To Diego and Luna Stella, their families, the Ferdinando’s family, the Obs Pasta Kitchen family and all their friends… know that we are with you, sending you love and strength. Your loss is immense and unimaginable. Please take some comfort in the knowledge that Kiki was loved, respected, admired and had a profound positive impact on the world, something we should all aspire to.
I leave the last words to some of those involved with OBSID on whose lives she had such an impact… Stanley, Neville, Chuma, Ruwayda, Xolile, Jordan and André:
“She inspired us by always talking about hope and peace. I know she will rest in peace, we’ll miss her very much, always happy and smiling”
“I love you very much and will never forget you”
“Nothing will be the same without you. I’m so angry and confused that you’re gone. Miss you”
“I will live your words – live your dreams and live your peace. That’s what you taught me”
“You made a big impact in my life and I will sorely miss your energy and your laugh”
“So sorry that you’re gone, but I know you are in heaven where you belong”
“We’ve lost the biggest icon in the Obs community. You supported the homeless and we won’t forget the human values you taught us”
“Wednesdays will never be the same, but we’ll carry the spirit of peace in our hearts. As you always said after our sessions – VERY GOOD! VERY GOOD!”
Rest in power, Kimon.
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