Young people party and participate for a purpose

ELE is the brainchild of two friends Mike Earp and Tim Salmon and was established in 2012. The two found out that dire times had befallen the orphanage. The limited financial capacity as well as the desire to get involved sprung the idea for the pair to throw ‘parties with a purpose’ in aid of the home. The first party raised >R3 000, and as word got out, the parties increased in size allowing ELE to assist a second home, The Baby House in Lonehill.

Earp said, “With each party the ELE family seems to grow bigger.” Since the initial party, the crowd of party goers has increased. On 8 December, 750 people attended the end-year function at the Colony Arms pub. “Each party seems to double, in crowd size. We are unique in our approach and really push and put the idea of charity first,” said Earp. All proceeds from these parties go solely towards helping both homes. DJ’s and other contributors give of their time for free to ensure the social capitalistic capability>ELE is built on. Earp said ELE thrives on “The love of loving to give back.”

Volunteer participation also grew with the current core members now consisting of 12 participants who are involved in various aspects on keeping ELE going. ELE uses a hands-on approach that sees volunteers not just raising proceeds, but getting involved with the children. Co-founding member Earp said it is a creative approach to touching lives not just purely by raising funds through partying, but rather by building community participation as a whole. All of this is in order to effect change on a larger scale and set up avenues for people to get involved with the children.

Details: 079 163 4354.