THE community project Making a Difference (MAD), founded by Chrizanda Marthinus, aims to lend a helping hand to needy matric students, providing dresses for the matric dance.
Marthinus started the project last year when she decided to help a matric pupil from her old school, Weltevrede Secondary.
Marthinus, who at the time was unemployed, wanted to hire out her evening dress which was only gathering dust in the closet, but she didn’t succeed.
She then decided to rather make a difference by lending the dress to pupils in need.
With the help of teachers at Weltevrede they selected a needy child and within a week they obtained sponsorships for her hair, make-up and more, all with the sincere generosity of the community.
In the end the dress did not fit, but a neighbour offered to buy a dress and shoes.
“I focus mainly on children who come from single parent families or are raised by grandparents who cannot afford to help them with their matric ball outfit. It often happens that Grade 12 pupils cannot attend their matric farewells due to financial problems. I would like to change that, by starting with local high schools.”
Marthinus is looking for the help of the public to make a success of this project. She invites donations of dresses, shoes and other accessories. These items will become the property of MAD.
Individuals, companies or organisations can also “adopt a matriculant” by completely sponsoring the learner’s matric ball evening.
For more information, contact Chrizanda Marthinus on 082 5119 980.
