This message might have come in 2002 but is still just as pertinent today.
“Trustees, distinguished guests please accept my apologies for not being with you tonight to enjoy this evening’s entertainment.
Children should epitomise all that is good, pure and hopeful about the world. The sad reality is that for millions today’s world is harsh, uncompromising and frightening place.
Organisations such as Help Kids, of which I am proud and honoured to be patron, are a vital link in providing assistance, guidance and support to children in need.
As inhabitants of our planet earth, each and every one of us has a responsibility to make the world we live in a better place. By joining us this evening you have taken an important first step in carrying out this duty by helping our projects in Cape Town, South Africa.
Children in need cross all cultural, racial, religious and international divides but this evening you have shown there are no barriers to helping fellow human beings. Humankind is one and we need each other to survive.
I thank and commend you for your support so far and in particular the trustees of the Mercury Phoenix Trust. At the same time I ask you to seek a greater role in helping and enriching the lives of many more children through on-going support of Help Kids.
Not only will you positively impact a child’s life thousands of miles away but you will also enrich another life closer to you; your own.
"