Red Carnival event dominates 4th Avenue in Parkhurst

PARKHURST – All roads led to Parkhurst community for the eye-catching Red Carnival charity event on 4th Street this past weekend.

April 28, 2018

Naidine Sibanda 2 minutes read

The main organisers of the carnival event, including Andy Leve and Jo Pinheiro, enjoy a ride in one of the classic carriages. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

The annual Red Carnival event geared into its third year with massive velocity on 4th Avenue in Parkhurst.

The street was painted red on 22 April by residents who bought and wore red T-shirts adorned with the Smile Foundation‘s logo and their red vintage cars which were required to give parking fee donations.

Youngsters also diligently partook by volunteering to go around selling red balloons and red cupcakes among other red-themed items. Residents also had a chance to tour the alluring neighbourhood by boarding the vintage buses for R20.

One of the vintage buses, a 1961 model ferrying people for a tour around the area. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

This initiative, which is the brainchild of Craft restaurant in partnership with the Smile Foundation, was launched three years ago with the aim of creating awareness and giving back to the citizens.

“We just want to share the spirit of the high-street feel and a sense of community. Lots of families come from their residences to enjoy the street,” Jo Pinheiro, owner of Craft conveyed. He also said the event grows every year and makes the organisers learn as it does.

Pinheiro reiterated that Craft is the main driver of the event as they cover all hard costs, collaborate with car associations such as Vintage and Veteran Club (VVC) and design posters. All this is done as a contribution to Smile Foundation and all proceeds from the event go to the foundation.

Andy Leve who is an Ambassador for Smile Foundation said, “I am interested in how the foundation brings a tangible difference to these children. All these businesses come together and do a lot of activities for the good of the foundation.”

A display of a variety of stunning red car models on show for participants to feast their eyes on. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

During its inception by late former SA President Nelson Mandela, the foundation mainly focused on surgery for children with cleft lip and cleft palate but has now grown to include craniofacial abnormalities as well as ear, nose, hand conditions and burn wounds.

“We are trying to raise as many funds as possible because the surgeries are not cheap, patients from rural areas need to be flown in, given food among other personal welfare. Therefore, Joburgers must come in their numbers,” Moira Gerszt, operations executive director for Smile Foundation stated.