According to Vinassa, Casual Day raised a total of R23.5-million, last year.
“Benoni is a generous supporter of the project, purchasing their stickers from all our big distribution outlets and malls in the city,” she said.
Several organisations in Ekurhuleni contributed significantly to the coffers of the fund-raising project that has seen the South African public open its hearts to persons with disabilities for almost two decades.
Con Amore School, in Kempton Park, raised R234 530, and the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA), in Edenvale, raised R202 428.
These were the top organisations and raised the most funds in Ekurhuleni.
Other organisations in the area that were honoured for raising over R50 000 are: Casa Caritas – Kempton Park; East Rand Protective Workshop – Kempton Park; Retina South Africa, Gauteng – Edenglen, Edenvale, and Down Syndrome South Africa – Bruma.
“Casual Day celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and will be pulling out all the stops with its Bring out the Bling theme,” said Vinassa.
“To celebrate Casual Day’s 20th birthday we are inspiring South Africans to dress up, not down.”
She added that they hope that organisations and corporations will start planning their campaigns soon, as it takes the entire year for the Casual Day “train” to roll out.
She added that the colour for the year is Dazzle Blue, a dramatic colour relating to the world of the theatre.
Their message to the public is to rustle up a little razzle dazzle.
“Casual Day is all about fantasy and dressing up in things you can find around the house; be creative with glitter, fabric, shiny paper, sequins or just wear your sticker and a posh casual attitude,” concluded Vinassa.
For more information on how to participate in Casual Day go to www.casualday.co.za.