Ms World finalist sows into the lives of others
Professional model and Ms World finalist Désirée Oliphant-Hilmer has adopted three schools in Alberton as part of her #SWITCH Foundation.
Désirée Oliphant-Hilmer, affectionately known as Lady Dé, is on a mission to impact on and change the lives of children and the marginalised.
Her primary focus as a professional model is to uplift communities and to offer much-needed support to those who need it the most.
A resident of Alberton for over 20 years, Désirée is a Ms World 2022 finalist and also a chief media, marketing and commercial director by profession.
The professional model with 19 years of experience at international level is also a founder of Switch With Dezzy Pty Ltd, a foundation that serves, impacts and changes the lives of children, women and the elderly for the better.
She has made waves in the modelling space, from being crowned Ms UN South Africa in 2016, Ms UN International in 2017 in Jamaica to being the second princess in Ms Gauteng 2020.
“This journey and milestones led to the launch of Switch With Dezzy Pty Ltd. I want people to know they are not alone and things can switch for the better. The #SWITCH Foundation has chosen three more schools in Alberton, starting from kindergarten, primary and high schools, an old age home and the homeless living on the streets of Alberton,” said Désirée.
Changing lives
“Post pandemic, many lives, businesses and livelihoods have been affected negatively, hence the calling from deep within my heart to reach out and touch lives positively. With the community, we can,” explained Désirée.
At one stage of her life, she was diagnosed with a depressive disorder and was in Akeso for close to a month before being fully rehabilitated.
“I’m an example of a mental health situation that switched for the better. With my journey, I switch minds and people’s thinking to become a better version of themselves. I have decided to turn my pain into power because whatever you’ve been through could be someone else’s solution,” she said.
She reiterated she has always sown back into people’s lives, focusing mainly on women and children, and that has always kept her young at heart.
“I’m an ambassador for Brackendowns SAPS and around the country. I also look after the interests of children. We used to visit schools with the police and we would do talks. I often visit Akeso and those from other institutions and speak positivity into their lives,” said Désirée.
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