Miss Junior Teen Christmas Toy Run
Her vision to be a positive example to the youth and willingness to take action to see her vision come to reality, is what drives Kristen Martin.
“What better time to give and touch the lives of the little ones, especially those who will be spending their Christmas in hospital,” asked Miss Junior Teen South Africa, Kristen Martin to learners at various primary schools.
In response to the thought provoking question, the bright Grade 10 of Sir John Adamson High School in Winchester Hills offered the perfect answer; getting the community involved in a Christmas Toy Run project that aims to collect over 3 000 toys and teddy bears to be handed over at various hospitals in Johannesburg.
Youngsters at schools including Dalmondeor Primary, Winchester Ridge Primary and at her old school Robertsham Primary are said to have all been very enthusiastic in joining the project.
The aim was to encourage healthy children to help Kristen make a difference in unwell children’s lives and also to help make their dreams come true.
“I realise that God has chosen me to be a blessing to others that is why I created this project to give sickly children the confidence they need to get better. I aim to raise much needed funds and resources for underprivileged children who will be in hospital on Christmas day,” said the 16-year-old.
The drive was launched by Miss Junior Teen 2013 on October 14 and is set to run until November 29, where toys would be collected on a weekly basis, either on Fridays or upon request.
A brave six-year-old boy’s story is what Kristen said motivated her to do her bit in making a positive change in children’s lives. Reportedly, the little boy is due to have his day at a Johannesburg hospital where he is scheduled for a serious procedure.
“The six-year-old is going to hospital for brain surgery, I found out about him as I was doing rounds at different schools.”
All toys collected are to be distributed at various Government hospitals including South Rand hospital, Chris Hani Baragwaneth, Helen Joseph, Raheema Moosa and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg hospital.
Kristen has also taken it upon herself to ascertain the estimated number of beds at each medical facility, with the overall total reaching 1 470 beds.
“The remainder of the toys will be given to hospices and the Bikers Toy Run,” added Kristen.
With the assistance of the Johannesburg south communities, Kristen says she anticipates the Christmas project to be a raging success.
My message to the youth is, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer, always remember that you have within yourself the strength, patience and passion to reach for the stars to change the world, for the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. I encourage both young and old to believe in their dreams, don’t allow anything or anyone to shatter your dreams.”
