An Ocean View Secondary School pupil’s dream of having a fairytale matric ball has come true after she won a competition.
The competition was run by the Restoring Hope Association, a Retreat-based NPO helping previously disadvantaged communities.
According to Dale Hendricks, the organisation’s director, they run a matric-ball competition annually, asking the public to nominate a deserving candidate for some fairy godmother treatment – it’s a prize that includes a dress, shoes, hair, make-up and nails.
Winner Kelcea Edwards said she was speechless when she heard she had won the competition. She didn’t know she had been entered into it.
“My mommy nominated me,” she said.
Her matric ball is on Friday November 29 and she said she was very excited.
“I have discussed my hair and make-up with them (Restoring Hope Association) and I have sent them pictures of the dress I want.”
Mr Hendricks said the organisation was started four years ago by a group of young adults.
“Our mission is to work alongside these local communities to empower them to reach their full potential in different aspects of their lives with a particular focus on the youth.
“We aim to do this through the use of resources that are accessible to them as well as with the assistance of established organisations and the community,” he said.
This year is the third consecutive year the matric ball competition was held, with the support of sponsors and volunteers.
“We hope to grow more and get more sponsors so we can help more matriculants in need,” Mr Hendricks said.
At present, he said, the organisation’s main focus was on the Cape Flats youth, particularly those from Cafda and Retreat.
Mr Hendricks said the organisation plans to run various training and sports programmes for young people once it has a building.
For more information about Restoring Hope Association, email restoringhope021@gmail.com
