Food for thought at Ballito women empowerment breakfast

Dynamic women from across the North Coast came together for a morning of empowerment at Gianni’s Ristorante last Saturday in aid of The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund.

Treated with a delicious breakfast, the women were inspired and motivated by career woman Melanie Pillay, international life coach Sharon Castle and business and leadership coach Nirasha Dhaniram, who all shared valuable insight into the path to success.

Hosted by the beautiful Miss Ballito, Milan Dhaniram, the breakfast brought together more than 100 ladies, filling the restaurant to capacity.

Speaking at the breakfast, founder of the NGO, Chaka’s Rock resident Rose Stephenson said it existed to support children in need.

“People often ask where the orphanage is and it is not an orphanage. We support child-headed households and children who live with their gogos.”

Stephenson said a 2011 study had found 333 child-headed households in KwaDukuza alone (not including those orphans who live with relatives or grandparents) and the number had continued to grow.

“There are wonderful groups of people along the coast who look after orphans and we raise money to support their valuable work. We have a commitment every quarter to raise at least R100 000, all of which goes back into the community.”

Stephenson thanked all the sponsors, especially the owner of Gianni’s Ristorante and Ballito Rotary member John Coburn for his gracious contributions.

“I would like to thank John and the Gianni’s management and staff for hosting the fundraiser so gracefully and for working so tirelessly to cater to our every whim. He did a spectacular job and we are so grateful for his support.”

Orphan Fund coordinator June Mdolo said the event raised a generous amount of R33 000 with a 100 percent of Gianni’s proceeds from the breakfast donated to the fund as well as a R10 000 donation from the Ballito Rotary Club.

“A sincere thanks to all our sponsors of giveaways and raffle prizes and to our powerful speakers. In addition, Nirasha and Sharon sponsored coaching and mentoring sessions valued at R3000 and R5000 respectively. A special thank you to our guests for their support, without you there would not have been an event.”

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