What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “Western Cape”? Do you think of the cosmopolitan lifestyle of balancing work and play between forests, thriving cities and world-class beaches? Or do you think of the rich diverse cultures, international visitors and residents all working together? The province has extreme parallels between rich and poor living harmoniously like many cities across the world. With that being said, we would like to highlight the work of the 16 Days for Youth initiative, that focuses on aiding communities across the Western Cape by implementing and building projects and assisting in the long-term success and sustainability.
Our client, Heart FM started the 16 Days for Youth initiative 3 years ago on 01 June 2015. They describe the initiative as follows:
“June is often referred to as Youth Month and Heart FM through our 16 Days for Youth initiative, will undertake an unparalleled, mega-tour, a technical feat…Locking the studio and taking the station across the Western Cape in a campaign that will help bring home the message of how important our youth are. It’s not just about commemoration, we’ll be celebrating the youth of today, the amazing advances young people have led the world in, like encouraging recycling and green lifestyles and the use of new technology, mobile phones and social networking sites.”
16 Days for Youth heroes include the entire Heart Family, The Cast of Thousands, the anonymous funders who donated as well as the supported beneficiaries who work selflessly and tirelessly to be the change within our communities.
Here are few of 16 Days for Youth 2018 highlights you need to know about:
- Bright Stars Safe This home received a kitchen makeover and much need food supplies
- Ryan Muller from Ryan’s Dental Studio assisted kids in need of dental check-ups throughout the 16 day journey with his mobile dental studio
- The team raised over R20 000 for Bridges Play Center on day 3
- The Darling Recycling Swop Shop received a new 12m container which will be used to make an impact in the community.
- On Day 10, the team packed 15 000 meals, which is enough to feed 66 children, 5 meals a week for a year.
- GrandWest CSI donated at 10 000 litre Jojo tank to Heldeberg Primary School on Day 15.
For the full 16 Days For Youth journey, go to www.16daysforyouth.com
You are still able to get involved in 16 Days for Youth by donating through the ThundaFund portal before the 30th of June. Click here.
With that being said, we would like to encourage everyone to continue to make an impact in their communities in any way possible. Here are a few ways you can get involved in your community:
- Contact your local school to find out what projects they are working on
- Attend fundraising events of local sports clubs, religious organisations and schools
- Donate clothes, non-perishable goods, toys or bedding to organisations in need
- Volunteer your time. Donations are not always monetary. You can use assist in after-school programs, working in community food garden.