It’s time to launch our Local Hero 2017 campaign
TODAY marks the official launch of the annual Daily Dispatch Johnson and Johnson Local Heroes campaign for 2017.
The campaign is about honouring ordinary citizens for making a difference in their respective communities when they are not heavily funded and mostly remain unknown to the greater public.
The campaign’s intention is to highlight the most noteworthy efforts of these men, women and youths, not only to salute their achievements, but also to inspire and share positive news.
Daily Dispatch Marketing Manager Ryan Megaw said: “The Local Heroes campaign is really about highlighting good news stories within our community, and if the Daily Dispatch can be a catalyst for making our communities better, safer and above all happier and more vibrant places, then we have certainly achieved our goal.”
The Dispatch will profile Local Heroes from February to the end of August, and the public is urged to contact us with nominations.
All profiled stories go into the mix and the top 12 Local Heroes for the year will be honoured in October at an extravagant awards ceremony.
Last year 12 men, women and youths were honoured at the East London ICC.
The top 12 winners each received a R5 000 cash prize, as well as R3 000 store credit from Builders Express and spa treatments and accommodation from Premier Hotel.
The 2016 Local Hero winner, Sue Davies, received a special prize of R90 000 from associate sponsor KFC to continue her work of feeding children from Mzamomhle in Gonubie though her organisation, Catch Projects.
This is the third year the paper has partnered with Johnson and Johnson East London.
The corporate social investment head for J&J East London, Michelle Pretorius, said they were “thrilled” to partner with the Daily Dispatch again on the Local Heroes campaign.
“Not only is it our hope that we highlight more good works of the amazing people who are making our community a better place for all, but we are particularly focused on inspiring our youth to be part of the change.”
Dispatch editor Sibusiso Ngalwa said the newspaper was proud to launch Local Heroes for the third year running.
“Last year we featured local heroes from various fields and areas of expertise and I’m sure this year will be no different. We look forward to sharing those inspirational stories with our readers,” said Ngalwa.
Do you know of a selfless person who goes the extra mile for the good of others out of nothing but the desire to see a turnaround in the quality of life of their community? That’s the person we are looking for.
Nominate your Local Hero and send their name and contact number, together with yours, to: localheroes@ or call 043-702-2000. — DDR