The campaign annually honours, joins and invests in extra-ordinary South Africans who strive to build a better future within their respective communities. Guests were invited to celebrate the achievements of four honourees who have touched and changed the lives of many. Elizabeth Arden awarded them each with a donation of money to continue to do the good work for their communities.
Nigel Savel was the campaign’s grand-prize winner for this year with his 9 Miles Project, which is a charity initiative that works with the youth of Strandfontein, Bayview, San Remo and surrounding informal settlements in the Western Cape.
Savel’s initiative aims to provide mentorship and support through surfing to individuals susceptible to drug abuse and criminal activity. “Growing up is tough because the youth is faced with social ills in broken societies,” said Savel. “I found an escape through surfing and I learned to focus, determination and rising above. I want the youth in my community to know that although life throws you a punch, you can rise again.”
The other honourees included Lucinda Evans, who runs Philisa Abafazi Bethu, Kate Senekal for Sparrow Society and Romy Titus for her initiative Babies Behind Bars.
“I didn’t start this charity to stand at this podium today – so thank you for this honour,” said Senekal.
One of the judges, Zuraida Jardine, who’s also a television and radio personality said, “You’re a child of the universe. It doesn’t matter where you’re from when you do kind.”
