For 10 years, the Nuts & Bolts Rally has united petrolheads to put their wheels to the test for charity. In celebration of this decade-anniversary, drivers are making this year’s rally extra-epic, including ‘wild-child’ dad Tony Brand (a 77-year-young man on a mission), who hopes that he and his jalopy will make a huge difference.

South Africa (18 October 2024) — At 77-years-young, Nicci Brand’s ‘wild child’ of a dad, Tony, has embarked on a monumental road trip around South Africa as part of the ever-epic and charity-driven Nuts & Bolts Rally!

A rally for charity that’s been revving engines since 2014 as founded by Pieter Andersen, the Nuts &Bolts Rally’s mission was established both as a fundraising opportunity and as a metaphor for the experiences charities face.

Like time spent on long road trips where roads are often fierce, a charity’s journey is fledged with unpredictability, bumps, and countless moments wondering whether the fuel will see them through to the next pitstop. But, as anyone who has been on an epic road trip knows, so many of the challenges are evened out by good company—exactly what the friends of the Nuts & Bolts Rally hope to be to their selected charities.

Ballies, in their jalopies, have united time and time again to support worthy causes through their quirky wheels. This year, they’ve tackled various Rallies from April that have seen them take to the Garden Route, Northern Cape and the Western Cape.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nuts & Bolts Rally (@nutsandboltsrally)

But, for their decade anniversary, they’re tackling a biggie. It’s a mission brimming with adventure for the participants—golden-hearted petrolheads. Their hope, once all engines are off and the job is done, is that they each would’ve raised significant funds for four charities: the United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa, the Smile Foundation, CHOC and Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation (GB4ADHD). And they’re doing it through a road trip around South Africa!

Enter Tony Brand, AKA the Brandpa. The elder participant (and the only one who hasn’t faced mechanical issues, he might add), Tony, is driving his VW Kombi 6,450 km across South Africa to quite literally rally support for the aforementioned charities.

His hope is to raise R50,000 in sponsorships to support children facing a spectrum of challenges across our country.

Rally participants are booked to reach the end of their adventure at the end of the month, as Nicci shares, with Cape Town as their end-point. Here, their cheques will be handed over, and the making a difference part of the long drive can begin!

Those looking to add a little jet fuel to Tony’s mission can make donations in the following way:

Bank: FNB Malmesburg

Account Name: More Than Adventure

Account Number: 62682910015

Reference: Tony324

Proof of Payment: info@nutsandboltsrally.co.za

Sources: Email Submission 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Nuts and Bolts Rally: An Epic Road Trip Around SA for Charity! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Smile Foundation is a pillar of support for children in South Africa suffering from life-altering craniofacial conditions. It is dedicated to addressing the critical shortage of surgeries in the public health sector.

Western Cape, South Africa (01 October 2024) – In a country where the public healthcare system struggles to meet the overwhelming demand for craniofacial critical surgeries, Smile Foundation is stepping up to provide timely, life-changing care.

By partnering with hospitals and medical professionals, the foundation seeks to provide these critical surgeries to children in need and support to affected families.

Craniosynostosis occurs when the skull sutures close prematurely, leading to an abnormal head shape. Symptoms include a misshapen skull, facial asymmetry, and, in severe cases, increased intracranial pressure, causing vomiting, seizures, and developmental delays.

The touching story of Neyasha, a brave four-year-old from Somerset West is just one example of many children born with the skull abnormality among other complications.

Neyasha was born at 27 weeks, weighing just 890 grams. Despite losing his twin brother and facing respiratory distress and neonatal jaundice, Neyasha fought through months in the ICU.

At four months, his mother, Nelly, noticed an unusual head shape, and he was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, requiring cranial vault remodelling and orbital frontal advancement surgery.

Despite her nerves, Neyasha’s spirit remained lively before the surgery, and his recovery has been smooth, thanks to attentive ICU care. His journey highlights the life-changing impact of craniofacial surgeries.

Another case is that of Careson Fortuin, a 13-year-old girl from Worcester who was diagnosed with Crouzon Syndrome.

Despite difficulties in diagnosing her condition, Careson’s strength led her to cranial vault remodelling surgery, offering her a brighter future. Now thriving at the Pioneer School for the Visually Impaired, she’s overcoming past bullying and excelling in a supportive environment.

These brave young children, along with countless others, have seen their lives changed forever thanks to the unwavering support of Smile Foundation.

Smile Foundation is committed to addressing the urgent need for craniofacial surgeries by partnering with Tygerberg Hospital to help children receive the care they desperately need.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, the foundation is committed to reducing the backlog in public healthcare systems and giving many other children with Craniosynostosis the brighter futures they deserve.

Sources: Smile Foundation

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Smile Foundation Offers Hope to Children, Addressing Craniofacial Surgery Crisis appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The Smile Foundation will provide reconstructive facial surgeries and therapy to 22 children, giving them a chance to heal and find joy in their lives.

Bloemfontein, South Africa (05 September 2024) – Facial anomalies and burn injuries in children often extend far beyond their physical appearance. These devastating injuries can lead to deep emotional and psychological scars that are difficult to overcome.

For ten-year-old Kananelo, this has been a heartbreaking reality since his tragic burn accident, which left painful scars, inside and out.

At just two years old, a pot of hot cooking oil scalded his skin, leaving his face and neck severely burned and his chin fused to his chest. This prevents him from lifting his head and causes constant discomfort.

Since that fateful day, life has been forever changed for Kananelo and his family. His mother, working in Sasolburg, faces the dual burden of worry and financial strain.

Each month, she travels from Sasolburg to Qwaqwa, where Kananelo lives with his grandmother, and together, they go to Bloemfontein Hospital for check-ups, a painful reminder of the day that altered their lives.

Bringing hope to this young boy and his family is the Smile Foundation’s Smile Week reconstructive surgery initiative.

Smile Week, a life-changing initiative coordinated by Smile Foundation and sponsored by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), will offer Kananelo and 21 other children hope by providing reconstructive surgeries and therapy at Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH) in Bloemfontein from the 2-6 September.

“Seeing Kananelo in pain after the accident breaks my heart. He’s scarred inside and out, and children tease him, making school unbearable. The tight scars around his mouth and neck make speaking difficult. We are incredibly grateful to ACSA, Smile Foundation, and the kind doctors who are giving him the chance to smile again,” shared Smile Foundation’s CEO, Tarri Parfitt.

Parfitt further expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, the dedicated surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff who will make 22 miracles possible.

“Because of your support, these children will receive life-changing surgeries, opening doors to a future filled with smiles, self-acceptance and the simple joys of childhood. You are also giving families the immeasurable gifts of joy, hope and emotional healing. You are the true heroes.”

Sources: Smile Foundation

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Smile Week Brings Hope and Life-Changing Surgeries to 22 Children appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Isolated in a rural community with limited support, a mother’s journey has been marked by worry and hardship. However, a glimmer of hope emerges thanks to the Smile Foundation’s Smile Week.

Pretoria, South Africa (14 August 2024) – Pembelani, a single mother from a rural community, has faced immense challenges raising her daughter, Oritika, who was born with Goldenhar Syndrome. Like many mothers in rural areas, she has endured the isolation and hardship of caring for a child with a congenital abnormality.

Hope is on the horizon for Pembelani and Oritika, as Smile Foundation, a dedicated nonprofit, is providing life-changing surgery for the nine-month-old. As part of Smile Week, taking place at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria from 12 to 16 August and sponsored by Milky Lane, Oritika is one of twelve children scheduled to receive corrective facial surgery.

Oritika’s young life has been marked by the challenges associated with Goldenhar Syndrome. Smile Foundation’s intervention offers a beacon of hope for the family.

Oritika’s condition presents as clubfoot, an underdeveloped ear, a bilateral cleft lip, a cleft palate, a hole in her heart, and a leg condition.

According to the foundation, this week Oritika will receive a cleft lip repair, this allows for easier feeding, improved speech development, enhanced sense of emotional well-being and more positive self-esteem.

Single mother, Pembelani has faced significant challenges in caring for her daughter. She said that from the day that Oritika was born, the big opening in her lip made feeding very difficult.

“This has been a worry for me as she needs all the nourishment she can get to build her strength. The people living in our area have not been supportive of our situation. They don’t understand Oritika’s health problems. They have put a lot of pressure on me and have been very difficult to deal with.

“This has stressed my child and myself out terribly, but I am not giving up. I must stay strong and positive for my little girl and I know that with the help of Smile Foundation, Oritika’s surgery and the kind doctors who will be helping her after her operation, Oritika will have a happy and healthy future,” Pembelani shared.

Tarri Parfitt, CEO of Smile Foundation, affirmed that every child deserves to feel secure, loved and capable of anything.

“This is the very foundation upon which dreams are realised. To the extraordinary team of surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff at Steve Biko Academic Hospital – your steadfast commitment is truly awe-inspiring.

“You are giving these children and their parents the precious gift of a new beginning, a chance to face life with a renewed sense of hope and a smile that shines brighter than ever.”

Sources: The Smile Foundation

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Smile Foundation Brings Hope to Rural Mother and Child with Goldenhar Syndrome appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Next week will be an extra special Smile Week as it aligns with Nelson Mandela Day, the Smile Foundation’s biggest patron! 30 Children with facial abnormalities will undergo life-changing reconstructive surgery, making their smile dreams come true at long last.

Pretoria, South Africa (14 July 2023) — Let’s be honest, we often take our own smiles for granted. Yes, we might appreciate the joyful eruption of a smile on someone else. And making a stranger smile is one of the best feelings in the world. But when it comes to ourselves, more often than not, we forget the value of our ability to crack a smile, big or small. That’s when non-profit, non-governmental organisations like the Smile Foundation step in to remind us to value every inch of our smiles, and give us the chance to make smile dreams come true for others.

The Smile Foundation has a special mission to make sure that children who suffer from facial abnormalities and severe burns can get the reconstructive surgery they need. While the Smile Foundation works year-round to make smile dreams come true, one week of the year stands out in particular.

Smile Week is a special week during which surgeons, their assisting surgical teams, other medical professionals and hospital staff clear their schedules to perform reconstructive surgery children who have gone without their smiles. The week differs for various hospitals, and during Mandela Week (with Nelson Mandela Day being on Tuesday) Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital will give 30 children the corrective surgery they need.

What makes this Smile Week extra special is its alignment with Madiba Day, honouring the Smile Foundation’s Chief Patron the honourable Nelson Mandela.

A heartwarming fact about the Smile Foundation is that it came into being when Madiba helped secure surgery for a little girl with facial paralysis 23 years ago. Since then, over 5343 children from disadvantaged backgrounds have been given a second chance at living a happy childhood, free from the emotional burden of facing the world with a facial abnormality or disfigurement from burn injuries.

Kim Robertson Smith, CEO of Smile Foundation shares:

“Mandela Day is the one day of the year that we get to honour an extraordinary leader who dedicated so many years of his life to teaching us that change is always possible. It is also a special day that we at Smile Foundation celebrate with deep gratitude in our hearts in honour of our beloved Madiba.”

Of the children undergoing surgery is seven-year-old, Zaylen, who was born with Microtia. This is a congenital abnormality of the outer ear that affects 1 out of 8 000 to 10 000 newborns. More simply put, Zaylen’s right external ear is missing almost completely. Such conditions range in severity from mild structural abnormalities to complete absence of the ear, or as in Zaylen’s case, just a small remnant of the ear lobe is present.

Mrs Huysamen, Zaylen’s mother, shares:

“My greatest wish is to see my son live a normal life without being hurt and made fun of for looking different to other children. My family and I are so grateful to SPAR and SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane, Smile Foundation and the wonderful doctors who are doing this #4Smiles.”

Thirteen-year-old Karabo, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, is scheduled to undergo a cleft palate repair. Due to his cleft palate opening, Karabo has faced challenges as this condition made it difficult for him to eat normally, causing food to come out through his nose. It also affected his speech, making it hard for him to communicate clearly, which led to teasing and laughter from his peers. This, in turn, affected his self-esteem and performance at school.

Lebohang, Karabo’s mother, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the upcoming surgery that will be performed during Smile Week. This surgery will provide him with the opportunity to lead a more normal life and look forward to school without the burden of his condition.

A lot of people are behind Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital’s upcoming Smile Week, including the massive support for this year’s Spar Women’s Challenge Tshwane, the Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels and the Smile Train.

“The most precious gift you can give someone is your time, which is why we hold immense appreciation for the surgeons, medical professionals and staff of Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital who will be giving these children their time, dedication, and the life-changing surgery they need…

“We are also most thankful to Smile Train for their generous grant and support, enabling us to reach a larger number of children with cleft lip and palate and deliver essential treatments.” concludes Kim Robertson Smith.

Sources: Supplied

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post 30 Children to Have Their Smile Dreams Come True During Madiba Week appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Ready, set, mark your calendars for SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane as it returns in-person after 3 years of virtual races! Here’s all you need to know about the event:

Tshwane, South Africa (11 May, 2023)—One of South Africa’s most popular road running races, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane will again host athletes of all skill levels to raise money for worthy causes.

The annual contest will return to SuperSport Park in Centurion in August, will host 5km and 10km races for women and girls under the theme #4Smiles with the Smile Foundation at the heart of the races.

With its unique focus on promoting women’s road running and supporting local charities, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane has become a must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about fitness, community development, having fun and making change all in one breath (or many deep ones as you tread the races!).

Since 1996, the race has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the world’s biggest road races for women, and organisers are expecting another large field this year. Not to mention, unlike the last three years, it’ll be held in person, marking a great comeback moment.

This year’s event, which includes a fun-filled day full of good food, prizes to win and charities to support, will start and finish at SuperSport Park in the heart of Tshwane and will be run through the beautiful suburbs surrounding the stadium.

And, the Tshwane leg also incorporates the Grand Prix Series with R1.8 million up for grabs in prize money.

Supporting the Smile Foundation

This year’s race will raise money for the Smile Foundation, which ties in with the event’s #4Smiles theme.

The campaign aims to remind people of the power of a smile and how it can impact themselves and those around them, emphasising that one smile can ignite many others, creating a chain reaction of positivity.

With the event supporting the Smile Foundation, the entries of the race participants will help benefit children born with cleft lips or palates who are part of the Smile Foundation’s program.

As part of the campaign leading up to the race, the Smile Foundation, in conjunction with Good Morning Angels, will operate on many children at the Steve Biko Hospital. This initiative will ensure that these children can smile with confidence for the rest of their lives, thanks to the generosity of the event’s participants and supporters.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane will also continue to support Hanna Charity, the Empowerment Trust and Cupcakes for Hope, while Irene Homes will again pack the amazing goodie bags for all entrants.

Entertainment for Everyone

Plenty of activities will keep everyone entertained and several competitions will be held throughout the day.

Entrants will also have a chance to win a car as part of a nationwide contest being held over the six legs of the SPAR Women’s Challenge series.

Overall, the event promises an electric atmosphere and is the perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones and friends while supporting good causes. But, while most will smile from an epic time, the most important part of the cause remains the same—giving smiles to others.

“Most importantly, the event will raise funds for local charity initiatives, making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”—SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane race organiser Retha Ingenbleek.

The event will take place on 5 August, and the cost of entry is R150. You can sign up here.

Don’t forget to check out the Eastern Cape run of the SPAR Women’s Challenge, set on carrying the baton for Autism later this month.

Source: Supplied

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Gear Up to Create Smiles At the SPAR Women’s Challenge, Tshwane  appeared first on Good Things Guy.