Lloyd leaps to greater heights

HIGHWAY Mail’s Lloyd Callan Mackenzie has traded his pen and notebook to join the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust (HACT). Mackenzie joined the NGO as their marketing and fundraising coordinator after spending two years at the Highway Mail, where he used his exceptional skills to make a difference in, and impact on, the lives of his readers.

The 25-year-old Cowies Hill gaming enthusiast was employed as a cashier and shop assistant at Look & Listen prior to obtaining his diploma in journalism in 2010.

Inspired by his interest to write gaming reviews, coupled with his passion to assist people, Mackenzie said the journalism field provided him with the perfect platform to use his skills to help others indirectly.

The courageous JK Rowling fan, who drew his inspiration from knowing that he was making a difference in the community, said, “My story about the Kloof trauma room was certainly one of my most impactful stories. I was able to see the change and developments, and when you watch something grow it is always rewarding.”

Mackenzie, who said the media world had contributed to his development as an individual, added, “This position helped me to grow as a person, and it has allowed me to see the bigger picture and the different perspectives and views that people have. It makes you realise that not everything is black and white.”

Two of Mackenzie’s most memorable moments include meeting Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker – Days of Our Lives) at a local school that received a donation from the humble actor. The second highlight of his career was being able to get a close view of a crown eagle after trekking through the bushes.

For those students interested in pursuing a career in journalism, Mackenzie’s advice is: “I encourage people to join this field only if they are passionate about writing and helping others. In the media world and as a journalist you are exposed to many scenes, which can be traumatic at times. This job also allows you to meet new people every day, because each day is a surprise, and that makes it exciting.

“I am so excited about the next chapter. It is completely different, and I never thought I would be employed at HACT. My vision is to improve this organisation, expand its reach, assist the respite unit and broaden its current projects. One of my other goals is break the stigma attached to the contraction of HIV/Aids,” he said.

Mackenzie said he will miss working at the Highway Mail. He thanked his colleagues for the amazing memories and is looking forward to developing relationships with his new family at HACT.

When asked about something readers didn’t know about him, he said, “When I was younger I wanted to be a blue horse.”