Recognising those shedding light

This year we had more than 50 entries of inspiring individuals who have given so much of themselves to help others. They don’t do it for publicity or recognition but simply because they are passionate about making a difference

The roads may be riddled with potholes, illegal dumping is piling up and the country has been plunged into the despair of loadshedding, and yet shining through the darkness are individuals hell-bent on making a change.

The Daily Dispatch, Johnson & Johnson and other local businesses have once more come together to celebrate our Local Heroes in the Buffalo City Metro and surrounds.

The eighth annual awards ceremony honours community leaders, shelters, food drives, youth employment and many other outreach initiatives.

Daily Dispatch marketing manager Kim Daly said: “There is so much negativity — we want to highlight those doing good, especially close to home.”

She said more than 50 nominations had been received this year, with diverse projects in the selected top 12 winners receiving R20,000 each.

For the last two years the event was held virtually but this year the 12 winners were able to come together for a night of celebration.

“The pandemic meant that we had to hold the ceremony online, but now we can go back to hosting a night of entertainment to honour our winners.

Cheri-ann James, editor of the Daily Dispatch, said selecting only a few finalists was always a challenge.

“Judging, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of this process,” James said. “This year we had more than 50 entries of inspiring individuals who have given so much of themselves to help others. They don’t do it for publicity or recognition but simply because they are passionate about making a difference.

“Choosing just 12 finalists proved a challenge, but we were ultimately able to agree on our Local Heroes for 2022. We thank all the heroes who were nominated and may they continue being a beacon of hope to the many whose lives they touch.”

Site support and communications manager for Johnson & Johnson East London Michelle du Preez said helping change-makers was part of their company philosophy.

“Our credo talks about caring for the community in which we live and work,” she said. “The Local Heroes campaign speaks directly to that. It’s wonderful to see how many people are willing to come forward and make a difference in our community.”

She shared the sentiment that choosing only 12 winners was a difficult task, but the night itself was filled with emotion.

“I feel very proud that my company is part of something with the Daily Dispatch that is changing lives and making a real difference. We always look forward to the event where the 12 winners will be announced.”

Brian Francis from Clean Slate NPO said that being one of 2021’s Local Hero Winners had opened countless doors for his NPO, which works to rehabilitate ex-offenders.

“We have had other organisations reach out to us to create partnerships, which is what it’s about for us,” he said. “We have met up with other Local Hero winners at the event who have similar goals.

“We get local businesses who saw my face in the paper and picked us up and offered us a piece of land. It’s so important to support a project like Local Heroes and acknowledge people who are not waiting on the government to make a change. Through your circumstances, you choose to be joyous.”

Penny Smith from Gussies Stationary & Gifting, a partner of the Page Group, said: “For us, the community is our brand and giving back is part of who we are. We are proud to be a part of the Page Group legacy, whose founder Darrel Eberhardt has a long history of giving back. ”

Marketing manager of Vincent Park Mariaan Hartwig said that with the centre celebrating its 50th birthday year, it was paramount to celebrate its supporters.

“Vincent Park also supports the local economy through commerce platforms for local business owners, as well as fostering employment opportunities for hundreds of East Londoners,” Hartwig said. “The Local Heroes Awards is an amazing platform which gives community causes recognition and the opportunity to network, and inspire others.”