Well, this is it. After eight months from the day I entered the pageant, and with the Mr. South Africa 2010 crowning event now just days away, the butterflies are back in a big way! It has been argued by those closest to me that I might have been a little overambitious as far as commitments go and reflecting honestly, I have to admit that juggling family life with work, studies, my charitable involvements - and keeping my blog regularly updated (!) - would prove impossible, were it not for the loving support of my friends, my family, and especially my beautiful wife (I got married 20 February ).
Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to showcase my ambassadorial work to date, and to highlight especially my plans for the future, as the changed man I am today as a result of the positive challenges and opportunities presented to me by the Mr. South Africa Board of Associates.
As can be seen from my former blog entries, I have had extensive involvement with Ons Huis, Angels Walking for Breast Cancer, the Return To Roots Foundation opposing violence against women and children, as well as other endeavors in association with Chef Tinus Pretorius of Ramkietjie to raise funds for people with various medical crises.
One person who really stood out for me as a remarkable individual with a heart of gold is Arlene Zlotnick, my great friend and role model who is at the head of the Houghton branch of CHOC, the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.
It was through another of my great pillars of strength, Tarryne Rautenbach that I met this amazing lady, who welcomed me with open arms to become an Ambassador to the foundation. Together, we have achieved much for the children, and have even greater plans in the pipeline, so watch this space!
To give my readers some background on what it is that we at the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation stand for: the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation is a country wide voluntary organization. It brings together the parents of children who suffer from all varieties of cancer or life – threatening blood disorders.
The name of the organization “CHOC”, an acronym for Childrens Haematology Oncology Clinics, was used by the first local parent group established in 1979. CHOC is not funded by government, but rather by the donations received from corporate, individuals and parents of children with cancer. Funds raised are applied to benefit directly the children and their families, and also those involved in the treatment of these serious illnesses.
In 2000, a new national organization was formed, linking parent groups in all parts of the country. The goal of this dedicated group is to improve the welfare and quality of care of children with cancer. There are regional offices of CHOC based in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
From 11 -12 February 2010, I had the pleasure of being a judge at the Mr and Miss Edenvale High School pageant. There were over 100 entries in the junior and senior rounds, and I must say that of the pageants I have judged at thus far, this was by far the most enjoyable. Being a finalist in the Mr. South Africa 2010 pageant myself, I always find it interesting being on the other side of the judging process, as the criteria are almost always the same as those on which I myself am being judged: overall appearance, personality and general composure. Thus, I always make a concerted effort to put the contestants at ease beforehand, and to judge fairly to the best of my ability.
Photo right: Taken at Miss Edenvale High
On being asked to become involved in this particular school pageant, I met again with Arlene to discuss with her some ideas for future fundraisers. We decided it would be a good idea to sell blue CHOC armbands and hippo key rings at the pageant. With the help of my wife and niece, we managed to raise R1 900 over the two nights.
On being asked to become involved in this particular school pageant, I met again with Arlene to discuss with her some ideas for future fundraisers. We decided it would be a good idea to sell blue CHOC armbands and hippo key rings at the pageant. With the help of my wife and niece, we managed to raise R1 900 over the two nights.
I was also grateful to have the opportunity to take the stage briefly on each of the two evenings and raise awareness amongst the parents and children as to the great work being done by the CHOC team in providing outstanding care to children suffering from Cancer or life threatening blood disorders, as well as counseling services to their families.
On 2 March I visited King David High School, where charitable work plays an integral part in the pupils’ scholastic activities. By prior arrangement with the school’s headmaster, we set up a stand there during Lunch break, sold armbands and keyrings again, and also color hairsprays to pupils and staff members. The initiative was a huge success, as we raised an astonishing R4 000 in just 45 minutes. If so much can be achieved in so little time at one school, there is surely hope for our nation in terms of what we can achieve with even the smallest individual contributions to the wellbeing of others.
Saturday 6 March was to be a busy day indeed. I made my way to Cresta Shopping Centre, where I color – sprayed and shaved some heads and signed autographs at the annual CANSA Shavathon. With me were Neil Pauw and Glen Hodgson, members of the renowned local band, The Parlotones. It was wonderful to hear that in the first four hours, almost R26 000 had already been raised. I left the event with blue stars sprayainted on the back of my head, and would be quite proud to see some of my fellow finalists also donning their own funky hair designs later that evening, at the Ons Huis Fashion Extravaganza, which was held in Pretoria. Photos: Far Right : Lucy Balona of CANSAPhotos below: Me spraying Neil Pauw's hair, the drummer of local rock band 'The Parlotones'. Not a bad spray job on Neil ... lightning bolts and a silver "rock" star.... the hair that rocks!
Photos below Left: Signing Tayla's shirt - CANSA Shavathon volunteer
Photos Right: My first shave for CANSA Shavathon
Not to jump the gun, before I drove through to this final event for the day, I hastily made my way across to the Lifestyle Garden Centre, Randpark Ridge, where myself and a few of the other ‘CHOC-kies’ participated in an annual fundraiser where members of the CHOC team sell gardening portfolios to the public, with all proceeds being donated to the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. I unfortunately also didn’t have much time on my side, but managed to raise R640.
As far as fundraising goes, I shall keep all posted regarding future fundraisers we have in the pipeline. Arlene and I are already in talks regarding a large – scale fundraiser to be held at Huddle Park, between Senderwood and Sandringham, just after the World Cup celebrations.
My wife and I will manage the event in collaboration with CHOC’s Management team. In a recent meeting with Arlene, we decided on a cross-country fun run and family day to raise funds and awareness for CHOC, with said funding going into the upgrading of Johannesburg General Hospital’s Oncology Unit. We will have the CHOC children involved in all the festivities and, in accordance with the ideal of including parents in the childrens’ support process, we will have them participate together in items like bean bag races, egg and spoon races, piggyback races and the like.
We have also discussed bringing in large corporates like Jeremy Kussner Productions, who we will approach for fun rides and jumping castles, and Red Bull for refreshments. Additionally, we would like to foster a spirit of community by bringing in, for example, the SA Police force with a dog show, and the South African Army, who have shown major interest in former protests against economic and residential development on this natural greenland in recent years.
With the event having been marketed in the various Media, including radio and local newspapers such as the North Eastern Tribune, we would like to have registrations open on the official website (www.choc.org.za) at least two months prior, to ensure that all needed capital is secured in advance for items like food and drink. Exciting times ahead…!
For those of my supporters who are following my blog regularly, I would like to say a big “Thank you” for all of your support. If I am to be crowned as the next Mr. South Africa, I make it my solemn pledge to give my all in “living the brand” , and to follow through on my every promise. I would be truly proud and honored to be your ambassador in the exciting year of our World Cup.
Love, Light, Wisdom and Peace,
CLAYTON.
