Finalists for the Inspiration Awards were announced on Wednesday — and they could not believe it.
Marking its 10th anniversary in 2024, the annual ceremony celebrates organisations from across Buffalo City Metro that have a positive impact on their communities.
Police Captain Mark McKerry, Elaine Brenkman of Guardians of Hope, Mike Webb “The Pink Fairy” and Mphakamisi Mqabi of the Teenagers Football Club will have the chance to tell their stories at the ceremony in August.
Inspiration Awards director Caron de Coriolis said the finalists “exemplify the spirit of community and compassion”.
“These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to contribute positively to our society.
“We invite everyone to join us at the awards ceremony and support these outstanding individuals and organisations.”
Finalists were selected by a panel of independent judges from a range of applications.
Each will receive a R40,000 prize and a professional video featuring their organisation.
People attending the ceremony will have the chance to pick an overall winner from among the four, who will get an additional sum of up to R40,000, depending on door takings.
McKerry was nominated through the Daily Dispatch Local Heroes initiative.
Growing up in poverty, McKerry established a soup kitchen that provides meals for about 300 people every week.
Beyond this, he organises community projects, garden initiatives and educational drives aimed at empowering youth.
McKerry went on to social media to thank all his supporters: “I don’t know what to say, I am speechless and lost for words. God, this can only be you.
“I want to thank the panel, sponsors, and community of East London for nominating me, it’s a real privilege.”
Brenkman, 48, was selected as a finalist from the Border Kei Chamber of Business NGO development programme.
She founded Guardians of Hope in 2017 as a care home for vulnerable children, aged from birth to four years old, including those abandoned, malnourished, traumatised, needing palliative care or surrendered at birth.
“I am so inspired — inspired to do even more. It’s a lonely place to do the work that we do,” Brenkman said.
“To be recognised is to see that people do see and they do care, and knowing I’ve got the support of the community is a blessing.
“In the beginning I am Mama, but I teach them Elaine, Elaine — you hear Elaine a thousand times a day.
“It’s the word they say for fun, usually it’s one of the first words they say.
“Which is beautiful but also sad because your first word should be mama or papa.
“I lost a baby in March and again in April, that is hard but at the same time I feel blessed because they died in my loving arms and not alone.”
Mqabi, 44, takes 24 boys and 10 girls aged 11 to 15 from Chulumna’s Mpongo township for soccer practice and organises educational workshops and upliftment programmes as part of the Teenager Football Club.
“I’m over the moon and very happy. When I got a phone call from Caroline I was brimming with excitement, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and I still can’t,” Mqabi said.
“As the years have progressed, we have changed the way of doing things, not only approaching this as a sports club but also how we can teach boys and girls to build their futures, to remind them of their dreams.”
Webb, 55, from Qonce, said he was deeply thankful for the recognition, especially alongside those of his fellow finalists.
Known as the Pink Fairy, Webb raises about R160,000 annually for animal welfare dressed in a pink tutu and wings.
He campaigns against bullying and for social issues, delivering motivational talks in schools and more.
“Awards like this are about upliftment. I’m absolutely mind-blown. I listened in to the radio yesterday and I was in tears, I didn’t expect this.
“It’s an honour to be among people like Guardians of Hope who do such amazing work.
“I’ve been the Pink Fairy for 13 years and started because I was a bit bored running the Comrades Marathon and decided to put some wings on.
“This became an idea to fundraise for animal charities because we just love animals.
“That grew way more than expected and we started helping other organisations wherever and whenever we could, that’s our motto.
“I enjoy combining my love of exercise, sport and helping, it’s like a dream come true for me. I will keep doing it as long as I physically can.”
De Coriolis encouraged local stakeholders and businesses to be involved in the initiative, which is also a registered NPO.
“Supporting these changemakers helps create a more vibrant and sustainable local economy by addressing critical social issues and promoting a culture of philanthropy and engagement.”
The Inspiration Awards 2024 will be held on Friday August 30, from 7.30am to 10am, at the Border Conference Centre (Christian Centre Abbotsford).
Currently, Early Bird tickets cost R220 each or R1,760 for an eight-person table. The next phase of tickets costs R250 each or R2,000 a table.
Visit www.inspirationawards.co.za or email info@inspirationawards.co.za to book.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.