Farrarmere Primary School Grade Seven learner Connor Mahoney (13) and Rynfield Primary School Grade Six learner Kerryn Lawson (12) were among some of the learners selected nationwide as ToysRUs South African TRUpers.
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TRUpers, as explained by marketing manager for ToysRUs and BabiesRUs South Africa Nicole Jansen van Vuuren, are “do-gooders” who are encouraged to perform good deeds for those around them.
“TRUper 2019 calls for nominations from school teachers and peers to recognise a child each month who exemplifies the qualities of a do-gooder.
“These children serve as role models to their peers, fostering a culture of spreading more love and kindness among the youth.”
The City Times met with both the learners, who remained modest about their national acknowledgement.
Connor was chosen for “displaying exceptional kindness and consideration of others” and was nominated by Grade Seven teachers at his school.
“I think I am kind,” said Connor.
“I am a prefect at my school and I help wherever and however I can while being really kind to all the children.
“I feel honoured and I am very thankful.”
Principal of Farrarmere Primary Fiona Stansfeld said she felt this was a wonderful initiative by ToysRUs.
“They are encouraging children to do good by being good and that’s one of the values we uphold at our school,” said Stansfeld.
“At our school, we value the saying ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and this is a good example of it.
“We hope more learners will get involved with the initiative.”
Kerryn was nominated by school secretary Lynn Smit after she opted to collect teddy bears from friends for her birthday last year instead of presents.
She then donated the teddies to children admitted at the paediatric cancer ward at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, in Parktown, Johannesburg.
“I adore teddy bears,” said Kerryn.
“I feel they make me happy and I wanted to share that happiness with the children at the medical centre.”
“Rynfield Primary School is exceptionally proud of Kerryn for upholding our value system,” said staff member Lucille Sequeira.
“We regularly speak about the need to be kind to one another at assembly and it is heartwarming to see this put into action.”
Jansen van Vuuren said they were delighted to announce the first batch of 2019 ambassadors selected in the annual national TRUper initiative.
“The competition, now in its fourth year, extends to schools in Johannesburg, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal, with a primary purpose of encouraging children to carry out more good deeds.
“Each TRUper was rewarded with a R500 gift voucher, a certificate of honour and an official TRUper cap and badge.”
Connor spent his voucher on a headset and speaker and Kerryn plans to acquire as many teddy bears as possible with her voucher.
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