Kempton Park schools invited to join Miss Casa Caritas fundraising pageant

Figures Models is calling on schools across Kempton Park to take part in the Miss Casa Caritas Fundraising Pageant, a community-driven initiative aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

The initiative aims to raise funds for Casa Caritas, a home that provides care, support and specialised services to children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Organised under the theme ‘Compassion in Action, Community in Unity’, the pageant seeks to raise R100 000 for the home while promoting social awareness, compassion and community involvement among participating learners.

While Figures Models is facilitating the project, the focus of the initiative is on community upliftment and creating opportunities for young people to serve others.

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Since its establishment in 1986 by Elsa and Cobus Van Den Heever, Figures Models has worked with children and young people between the ages of four and 23, helping them develop important life skills such as self-esteem, confidence, poise, presence and communication.

What began as a passion project inspired by Elsa’s own modelling experience has grown into a platform that has positively impacted thousands of young people and families across South Africa.

The organisation has always placed a strong emphasis on personal growth, character development and creating opportunities for youth, values that align closely with the goals of the Miss Casa Caritas Fundraising Pageant.

“Having so many franchises is a lot of work, but I believe what you put in is what you get out,” said Elsa.

“The underlying factor to be part of us is that you need to have the passion to work with children and provide opportunities for the youth.

“Parents who were with us years ago still come back and share how the skills their children learned continue to benefit them today. The work we do lasts with them forever.”

Cobus added that many of the skills developed through community initiatives and youth programmes are not always taught in the classroom.

“Skills such as self-esteem and confidence are important throughout life. Parents are always assured that they can come to us to help develop their children while also exposing them to opportunities that can positively shape their future,” he said.

Learners from participating schools who raise the most funds for Casa Caritas will receive awards, including sashes and crowns, and will be treated to pamper experiences sponsored by stakeholders involved in the initiative.

However, organisers stress that the true reward lies in the impact participants will make in the lives of the children at Casa Caritas.

Unlike traditional pageants, the Miss Casa Caritas Fundraising Pageant focuses less on glitz and glamour and more on service, compassion and community involvement.

The initiative aims to encourage young people to become active contributors in society while learning the value of giving back and supporting those in need.

Following nearly four decades of working with young people, the Van Den Heevers remain committed to creating opportunities that empower youth and strengthen communities.

Through projects such as the Miss Casa Caritas Fundraising Pageant, they hope to inspire the next generation to realise that they can make a difference, regardless of their age.

Schools interested in participating can contact Casa Caritas CEO Adri Kruger on 072 107 1989 or Figures Models Project Assistant Mona Swanepoel on 083 948 7440 for more information.