Beauty, brains and a heart for charity

Since her crowning in October last year, Miss Ballito has been trying her best to get the youth involved in Roteract during her reign.

“It has been amazing to to be given the opportunity and the possibilities to work with charities and raise funds for those who need our help,” said the mature and very natural 22-year-old Kirsten Martins.

“It has taken a long time to put together Roteract, which is a Rotary club for people between the age of 18 and 30, as one has to be over 30 to join Rotary,” she said, being the president of the club.

Roteract had a successful second hand clothing fund raiser in Ballito last month and managed to raise R10,000.

During the Miss Ballito pageant period, they had the opportunity to spend a day at Summerhill House, which was a highlight for Martins.

“Once the bug bites, you cannot go back, because seeing the product of your efforts and spending time with the kids is so inspiring.

“We have named them Roteract’s beneficiary and we plan to raise more money throughout the year, so that we can do the holiday feeding program in the December holidays at Summerhill House.”

The sporty tennis and golf player is also an avid horse rider and loves deep sea fishing.

“I would like to do a Miss Ballito Fishing Competition in June, which I think will be so much fun, as it is something different and there are many people who enjoy deep sea fishing, be it on a boat or on a paddle ski.”

She is currently seeking sponsors for this competition.

At the moment, she is preparing the Rice Bucket Challenge, which is inspired by the successful Ice Bucket Challenge and is planned to take place on April 4 at the Lifestyle Centre.

“It will be a lot of fun. People are encouraged to buy a bag of rice for charity and will have a bucket of rice poured over their heads.”

Besides her charity work and fund raisers, she is also studying for her final psychology exams in June.

“I am not sure yet what I will be doing after my studies, it will be a surprise.”

She did however mention that she would like to enter the Miss SA pageant.

To the new contestants entering Miss Ballito this year, Martins has the following advice: “Be yourself, there is nothing worse than being something you are not and there is nothing more attractive than being natural.”