Pageant queens spread the Easter spirit
Three young pageant queens visited the Wings of Inspiration Women and Children's Shelter and Dorah's Ark Orphanage to spread Easter joy and raise awareness surrounding autism.
Non-profit organisations (NPOs) are the backbones of any community. Not everyone has the time or means to help desperate people every day, but NPOs dedicate their lives to doing this.
These organisations often rely solely on donations from residents and businesses to continue doing their work, so whenever generous residents not only want to donate something, but also want to spend their time visiting the organisations they are helping, it is a cause for celebration.
On Thursday, 1 April three charitable young West Rand residents visited two centres under the Wings of Inspiration portfolio to hand out Easter surprises and raise awareness surrounding autism. Marunique Meyer, 8, Anché Steyn, 16, and Sharica Bondesio, 12, are all accomplished in the pageant industry and use their free time doing a lot of charity work. Marunique is currently a finalist for the Mini Miss RSA 2021, Miss Diamond SA 2021 and International Junior Miss SA 2021 pageants. Her accomplishments will see her represent South Africa at the Royal International Miss pageant in America.
Both Sharica and Anché are competing for the title of Toddler and Tween of the World 2021, and are currently heavily involved in a Put on Socks for Autism project. Sharica is also competing for the Junior Miss SA and Miss Diamond SA titles, and Anché is also a finalist for Mini Miss RSA.
The young pageant queens visited Dorah’s Ark Orphanage and the newly opened Wings of Inspiration Women and Children’s Shelter to hand out little Easter egg gift packs and autism-awareness lollipops. The beaming faces of the children who were overjoyed by the delicious treats were enough to light up any room.
“These young ladies are amazing for all the support they give charities. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts,” said Anthea Da Costa, a co-director of the foundation. The girls were also wearing brightly coloured socks with puzzle piece designs for Autism Awareness Month, which is commemorated throughout April. The socks sell at R30 a pair and raise money for various autism-related charities while educating communities on the condition.
To get in contact with Wings of Inspiration, contact their head office on 011 764 1323 or by emailing anthea@wingsinspiration.co.za. You can also visit their website, www.wingsinspiration.co.za.
To order a pair of autism-awareness socks, call 076 337 8830.
