Our 12 champions are all community builders
THE popular event spot, The Venue@Hemingways, was transformed into a royal palace last night for this year’s glitzy Daily Dispatch and Johnson & Johnson Local Hero awards evening.
Out of a large number of nominations, 12 community builders came out on top as this year’s Local Hero finalists, and were celebrated last night for their work in transforming communities and impacting lives across the Eastern Cape.
Clara Gqomfa, Elaine Brenkman, Bruce Mckay, Khaya Baartman, Kristin Mace, The Eyabantwana Trust, Lou Billet, Petra Horn, Matthew and Marion Peake, Riley Devan, Sithembele Dlutu and Sizwe Yolo all walked away as this year’s champions.
Ahead of the evening function, the winners were treated to a pampering session at Park Palace in Belgravia.
Musical group 16 Strings String Quartet ushered in the hundreds of people who gathered at the conference venue to honour and praise the stalwarts for their work, with popular medical doctor and media personality Dr Michael Mol as the programme director for the evening.
Local folk musician Jon Buitendag serenaded the audience, with the evening filled with activities and entertainment.
The finalists also walked away with several prizes to advance their philanthropic work.
KFC Add Hope beneficiary Sinaziwe Ndlovu and business consultant Stephen Eichstadt shared some words of inspiration with the winners, and encouraged everyone to get involved in community development work.
Urban vegetable garden owner Sithembele Dlutu said: “With this garden, I feel like I’ve found my reason for existence.
“I wish people would stop looking to government for opportunities. The economy is dependent on us. If we could all get involved in community work, we would see the change we desire to see.”
Marion and Matthew Peak run charity drive Helping Those In Need’s Facebook page.
Speaking with the Dispatch, Marion said she was “shocked” that they made the cut.
“With so many people doing many good things in East London and around the country, to be recognised for the little we are doing feels so amazing,” she said.
Grade 1 English teacher Petra Horn said: “I feel excited to have received such care and pampering. What a memorable evening. The prizes we’ve received tonight will be a huge benefit to the work we do.”
Eyabantwana Trust board member Michelle McKay said the trust was grateful for the support, which would help towards furthering their cause to provide quality surgical care to children.
“We are honoured to be selected among so many worthy causes out there. A huge thank you to Daily Dispatch and their partners, and to whoever nominated us,” McKay said.
“We’d like to thank the East London community too for their support.” —