VIP kids rub shoulders with celebs
Vulnerable children from around Durban had a very special Sunday at the IBV VIP Kids Day where they had a chance to be the VIP and meet their favourite TV heroes.
DOCTORS, lawyers, business owners, engineers, television and Bollywood stars as well as ordinary people gathered at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Sunday, 20 October to volunteer their time, at the IBV VIP Kids Day.
About 2 500 children from 36 children’s homes in the greater Durban area were VIPs for a day. The kids were treated to a full day of fun, treats, games and pampering in the company of musicians, DJs and entertainment celebrities as part of IBV International Vaults’ social responsibility programme.
Many of the city’s leading corporates, businesses, civic bodies, service organisations and families joined hands to ensure the day was packed with activities and refreshments to entertain the kids. Generous sponsorship ensured that the children’s transport was also taken care of. Each child was given a tracksuit; a T-shirt; shoes; a cap and a substantial goodie bag with stationery and toiletries.
The children were occupied with an art zone; a fun and games zone; books; music lessons; jumping castles; pony rides; a movie zone and a petting zoo, while the girls could indulge in a make-over with hair-dos and nail painting.
The wall to wall entertainment on the stage, included a talent show for the children, with soap stars and musos Professor, Donald, Mandoza and Tira and local acts Undivided Roots on hand to entertain the kids. DJ’s Ryan the dee jay; DJ Dino Bravo and DJ Switch were also part of the entertainment.
A definite highlight for the kids was local celebs, Simba Mhere from Top Billing; Ashish Gangapersad (Prada from Isidingo); Maurice Paige (Calvin from Isidingo); Motlatsi Mafatshe (Sechaba from Isidingo), Tema Sebopedi (Lerato from Isidingo), Clint Brink (Backstage / Generations / Scandal!) and Sisa Hewana (Ace in Isidingo) and actress / models Tarina Patel and Shashi Naidoo graciously spending time with the children. “We are glad to be part of the day. We do have an effect on people and its good to use our celebrity status to inspire and spend time with the kids. It is very humbling being here,” Simba Mhere said before getting on stage.
“Since its inception, the essential purpose of this day has been to make a large number of underprivileged children VIP’s for a day whilst business leaders play as reversal of roles as their executive helpers,” said IBV CEO Ashok Sewnarain.
“The organisers are delighted as to the astonishing response from corporates, civic organisations, service providers, small businesses and individuals who have come on board and lend their weight to this innovative event to add value to the Children’s VIP Day. We thank you, and we salute you,” said a delighted Ashok Sewnarain.
