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A Passion for People
A Passion for People
Fun, friends, dogs, braais and a Sunday night tradition of making pancakes are the makings of a sound family life according to Zimbabwe-born Karen Brokensha who joined The Domino Foundation's Donor Relations team at the start of the year.
Karen's father, (a "maverick entrepreneur", as she calls him), and his young family immigrated to South Africa in 1980 with a car and a few copper fire screens to sell. "Undeterred, my dad started a trucking business, driving one of the trucks himself and then set about learning a trade as an electrician whilst in his mid-30's. Now in his 70's, he still does the odd electrical job and issues compliance certificates. I admire his tenacity, agility and courage." Her mother, as a conservative "number cruncher", kept the family in balance and instilled in her two daughters the value of good manners: "They cost nothing but mean everything."
With a heart for family values, Karen is married to Athol, whom she describes as "servant hearted and very handsome". The Glenwood couple has two children, Tori and Josh: "We love hosting friends, swimming, eating ice cream and family movie nights!"
The Brokensha family has a strong Christian faith and Karen's love of God and gift of empathy has spurred her passion for people, "They totally energise me!" she enthused. The couple's faith was tested when, just five days before the birth of their first child, Athol was diagnosed with Guilliane Barre Syndrome which left him semi-paralyzed and wheelchair-bound for six months. His journey of learning to walk again was where Karen learnt one of her most life-defining lessons - your health is your true wealth.
After two decades in the events and hospitality industry, Karen began her journey into social justice in the role of Programme Co-ordinator at iThemba Lethu HIV Prevention Interventions in the Manor Gardens and Cato Manor communities. "Declaring destiny and purpose in the lives of the abandoned and vulnerable is priceless and rewarding."
Karen says that The Domino Foundation is on a mission to develop "a culture of giving". Partners, donors, family, friends and beneficiaries all have something to give from their tanks of time, talents and treasures. "We aim to be pivotal in inspiring a community of people to do what they can with what they have!" For businesses interested in partnering with The Domino Foundation, Karen can be contacted at karen@domino.org.za/031 563 9605.
Tarin says of Karen's joining the team, "It's a joy to have Karen with her depth and wealth of knowledge which I look forward to gleaning from."