Alberton resident keeps paying it forward
"I am very excited about this nomination and do feel honoured to be part of this incredible initiative alongside some amazing people."
AN Alberton resident has taken a tragedy in her life and turned it into a focused effort to help people through many projects and initiatives.
Alta McMaster was recently nominated to be one of the Top 100 Difference Makers in South Africa, an international movement based on the movie ‘Pay It Forward’.
Julie Steynberg, executive director for DM SA (South African branch of Difference Makers), started the programme in 2015 to get people involved in charitable activities. The movement is active in 11 countries with over 34-million people estimated to be involved in it.
“I am very excited about this nomination and do feel honoured to be part of this incredible initiative alongside some amazing people. It is my passion to make a difference in the lives of others and I do this on a daily basis with the Epic Foundation. To be part of the DMI (Difference Makers International) is incredible because they acknowledge people who make a difference and don’t always get the recognition they deserve. This an important aspect of DMI,” said Alta.
Alta started her Comfort Pack Project in 2010 to help men, women and children who have been victims of rape, after her own harrowing experience. The packages are put together and contain clean underwear and essential toiletry items to be used during the initial reporting phases of rape and abuse. In 2015 the foundation distributed almost 8 000 of these packs to help victims clean up and to give them a little comfort after the ordeal.
The project started in her house, but quickly became a big undertaking and more space was needed, first at Lemon Tree Shopping Centre and then in Steeledale at the Supreme Industrial Park, which now acts as headquarters for the Epic Foundation. The foundation’s projects include the Comfort Pack Project, a charity shop, the Fairy Godmother Project (supplying underprivileged matriculants with outfits for their matric farewell), the Step-up Project (skills development for shelter women), counselling, support groups, referrals for legal advice, court preparations, self-protection classes, motivational talks, education and awareness campaigns.
Alta starts her days at 04:00 every weekday for her day job that starts at 06:00 and finishes at noon. From there she heads to the Epic Foundation to continue her charitable work.
Alta has won a Hero of the Month Award from Lead SA and it seems certain that more awards will follow to give recognition to an inspirational and truly amazing person with a heart overflowing with love for her fellow man.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
