Save the date for Local Heroes Awards

It is that time of the year again, when distinguished community developers are recognised for the good work they do within their communities. Preparations are proceeding smoothly for the much anticipated Daily Dispatch and Johnson & Johnson Local Heroes Awards ceremony. 

Due to Covid-19 regulations, this year’s event will take the same digital format as was the case last year.

The virtual event will take place on October 28, and will be broadcasted live on the DispatchLIVE Facebook page at 6pm.

The Top 12 Local Heroes and Frontline Hero will be revealed on the day, when special awards, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, will be given to outstanding workers in the front-line of the Covid-19 pandemic fight.

Media personality Gerry Elsdon will be this year’s master of ceremonies.

Elsdon is a well-known media and television personality, who often graces magazine covers and social pages, an ever glamorous personality who takes on every task with zest and tenacity.

Dispatch marketing manager Jennilee Peremore-Oliver said: “We are very impressed with the calibre of the nominations we received this year.

“The projects of the nominees were all diverse in terms of the categories in which they work.

“We received nominations in education, social development, animal welfare, the arts, sport, youth development, the elderly and much more.”

She said over 50 nominations had been received this year, with diverse projects in the selected top 12.

She said the Local Heroes Awards were all about inspiration.

“It is impossible to watch the Local Heroes awards and not be inspired by our selfless heroes who use whatever they have at their disposal to help their community, and who sometimes, in the process have to sacrifice a lot.

“After watching the awards, it is natural to do some self-reflection, to think about what you can do for someone else to make their life a little easier, and this is exactly the effect we hope to have so that we inspire future Local Heroes of our community.

“It’s an evening about celebrating the true heroes, the people in our immediate community.”

“Elsdon is a global activist and outspoken voice on issues of women’s empowerment, community regeneration and its effect on women and children in Africa.

She is actively working with organisations, both at home and abroad, to change the plight of our children and people living with tuberculosis. She is also involved in other health and wellness programmes.

She has spoken internationally at the invitation of the United Nations, United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Health Organisation, on behalf of the South African people and global communities who need help.

Peremore-Oliver said Elsdon would keep viewers entertained for the 90-minute event.

“We will also feature some of our past heroes in the awards. We have the same sponsors on board this year, including Johnson & Johnson, Spar, Vincent Pack, Boston City Campus and Business College, and a new sponsor, Vodacom4U.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors for keeping the Local Heroes campaign alive, for believing in the effect of the initiative, and its role in uplifting our communities,” she said.

DispatchLIVE