Recently celebrating a 21-year milestone in business, SOJO’s CEO Nicky Vakaloudis thanked her team, members and guests at an auspicious cocktail evening held at the stunning Tswana Bar at Thaba Eco Hotel.
“Twenty-one years of being in the South is really something to celebrate and it’s been an incredible journey,” said an emotional Vakaloudis, as she took the guests down memory lane with tales and anecdotes.
She thanked key role players of SOJO who have remained faithful throughout the years, all the current members and new members who have recently signed up to the business.
SOJO director Sheldon Stuurman who is also a financial manager at Gold Reef City was excited to share SOJO’s 2020 vision.
“Although the focus of the organisation has always been on keeping the South safe and clean, which it will continue with established communication to the City departments, SOJO is stepping up to direct, promote and engage more specifically the tourism enterprise.
“This will mean better coordination and cooperation among businesses in tourism, sharing ideas, calendars, venues and transportation. SOJO acknowledges that tourism is the driver for economic growth and development, therefore, it makes sense to make it happen in the South of Joburg, bringing big events here on our door step.”
Stuurman also thanked all the top 10 members of SOJO for their continued support for 21 years.
Charity of choice
Each year, SOJO supports a worthwhile charity. This year was no exception with Dignity Dreams being the charity of choice.
A R10 000 cheque was handed over to Sharon Gordon, owner of Dignity Dreams, at the celebration.
Gordon thanked SOJO for the generous donation and added the organisation will be used to make dignity packs for 45 girls who attend Elethu Themba Public School in Eikenhof.
“This is such an incredible initiative as it is a sustainable solution to serious and far-reaching issues. We teach about menstrual health to young girls, boys, parents, community leaders, influencers and teachers. We are expanding this goal this year,” said Gordon.
The four goals of Dignity Dreams
Dignity Dreams has four goals, which are:
• Enabling girls to go to school by providing them with washable and multi-use pads to give them an opportunity to participate fully in school.
• Empowering SME’s. Their products are manufactured by sewers who are building their own business. They offer skills, teach and provide a safe place to manufacture.
• MHM Education. The organisation teaches about menstrual health to young girls, boys, parents, community leaders, influencers and teachers.
They are expanding this goal this year. “Please purchase your copy of My Body #NoShame to teach a young girl about her body,” Gordon said.
• Sustainability. Their pads last approximately 48 months. “For each Dignity Dreams washable pad we replace 144 disposable pads.”
The pads are ecologically friendly and should be worn by every woman who cares about the planet.
“We also comply with 10 out of 17 of the Global Sustainable Goals,” said Gordon. Visit www.dignitydreams.com or email: sharon@dignitydreams.com for more information or assistance.
Principal of Elethu Themba Public School Esmé Mhlonga thanked both SOJO and Dignity Dreams, adding, “These packs will make a huge difference to 45 girls’ lives.
“Many of our learners come from very poor backgrounds and you won’t believe how little things can change their lives. Thank you too, Tandi Potgieter, for helping us and our school. You are all indeed very special to us.”
Members, guests and all who attended the 21st birthday celebration sure enjoyed it.
Thank you
Sponsors included Gold Reef City, Mall of the South, Thaba Eco Hotel and Spa, Howden Power, IPROP, Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd and Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Vakaloudis also thanked Julie Maule, news editor of Caxton South, who captured and shared many of SOJO’s stories throughout the 21 years.
GALLERY:
