Beauty queens make a difference in community

Miss Polokwane Observer Cover Girl 2015, Wilita Lee and other category winners of the Miss Polokwane Observer 2015 pageant delivered more than 100 blankets to disadvantaged children recently.
Wilita along with Katryn Barwise, organiser of the pageant and Miss Humanity International 2014, Elrize Erasmus, Miss Polokwane Obser-ver 2015 and Rethabile Molepo, Miss Polokwane Observer Teen 2015 visited Ponthso Disability Centre in the Zebediela area where more than 50 blankets were handed out.
The centre that Barwise helped to build cares for 55 autistic children from deprived families. Barwise explained that many of the children are in reality orphans and call the centre their home.
“It was a very emotional day as many of the girls have never visited a centre for disabled or disadvantaged children before. To see the joy on the children’s faces when they each received their own soft blanket was the highlight of the day. The children were also very excited to meet the beauty queens,” Barwise said.
At Ngwana Baby House in Polokwane Barwise, Elrize, Rethabile, Anzé Esterhuizen, Little Miss Polokwane Observer 2015 and Palesa Masimene, Miss Polokwane Observer Junior Teeen 2015 handed over more than 30 blankets. The Miss Polokwane Observer winners said they have a soft spot for babies and would like to visit the centre again to spend time with them.
Entrants of The Miss Polokwane Observer Cover Girl 2015 pageant that was held recently collected blankets as part of their entry. Barwise said that she wanted the entrants to do something for the community as well and not only to show their talent on stage. She said the part of the pageant where entrants should have collected blankets made this pageant different from other competitions. “I am so proud of each contestant. They collected more than 200 blankets and we have the opportunity to give them those who are less fortunate,” Barwise stated
They winners explained that they were enjoying their journey thus far and felt excited about all the charity projects to come. They described the visits to the two centres as wonderful experiences.
They further explained that caring for others is a star quality that they all share. Barwise explained that they are already role models to others and they strive towards making a sustainable difference in their communities. The winners will also be donating blankets to Ivydale Shelter soon.

Story: LEANDRI VAN SCHALKWYK
>>leandri.observer@gmail.com