Benoni residents can make a difference this winter

Miss Earth South Africa national finalist Shannon Roscher partnered with Mr South Africa top 50 finalist Brett Palframan, to make a difference in the lives of residents of the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home, in Benoni, on June 8.

Between the two contestants they persuaded friends and family to donate their “gently used” clothing to the home.

They believe that so much more can be done for charity with the help of various communities.

“I appeal to individuals, as well as organisations, schools and churches to rally their members to support our drive and help to keep the less fortunate warm this winter,” said Roscher.

“It’s a known fact that thousands of South Africans are living on the streets and millions are living in informal settlements, in shelters that don’t provide ample insulation to keep warm,” said Palframan.

“With severe winter blasts expected this season, people are in dire need of help, and therefore appeal to anyone who can help provide or donate gently used clothing and blankets.”

The donation was part of Roscher’s Miss Earth drive to educate communities to preserve and protect the environment.

The former Benoni High pupil added that one way to benefit your community and the environment is to donate used textiles and clothing to charitable organisations, who will recycle and reuse these items.

“Most of us have old clothes hanging in our cupboards, but we are either too sentimental or too embarrassed to throw them out, because they might just be too worn,” said Roscher.

“I can let you in on a little secret: nothing is ever too damaged or too worn to be donated to charity.

“Your threadbare jeans might just be turned into a handbag, a quilt or even an ottoman.”

To contact either of the contestants, email to shannon@prworx.co.za, or to palframanbr@gmail.com, and they will gladly help you to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

The next cut to the top 12 Miss Earth South Africa contestants will take place at the end of July, and the final will be held in September.