The roads may be riddled with potholes, load-shedding is on stage 5 and the rain fell hard this week, and yet shining through the darkness are individuals hell-bent on making a change.
The Daily Dispatch and Johnson & Johnson have once more come together to celebrate our Local Heroes at the eighth annual awards ceremony which 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 over 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 will be announced at an evening of food, drinks and celebration at the ICC on October 27.
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
“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.
“It was very difficult to choose the winners because there was such a variety of candidates who are all doing their best with what they have, to give back. Whenever we contacted a nominee, they were always so shocked and surprised. No-one is doing this for the attention, but because they want to make a change.”
The MC of the night is local legend Zanele Potelwa.
Daily Dispatch general manager Ryan Megaw said the gala dinner would be live-streamed on social media and he was excited to have the chance to celebrate in person.
“There is something really special about sharing the experience with a room full of people and being inspired together. We invite individuals as well as corporates to support the initiative by buying tickets to the event. “
Megaw said he couldn’t wait to dust off his best suit and enjoy the company of all those in attendance.
It is a wonderful opportunity to support the incredible work our Local Heroes do in the community
“It is a wonderful opportunity to support the incredible work our Local Heroes do in the community. The event has always been one of the highlights of the East London social calendar, and is guaranteed to leave you feeling truly inspired.”
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. 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.”
Other sponsors include Spar, Vodacom4U, Vincent Park, Gussies Gifting and Stationery.
Tickets for the ceremony, which starts at 6pm, are R500 per person or R5,000 per table of 10, which includes a three-course meal.
For bookings, email bookings@dispatch.co.za
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