Johnny Walker Sunday Times Nation's Greatest Awards 2013 - Finalist

October 2013 I had the surprise of my life - I received a call from Johnny Walker to inform me that I was one of 26 finalists that had been chosen around South Africa for making a difference in the lives of others. Then I found out I was 1 of 5 finalists for the Johnny Walker Sunday Times Nationals Greatest Hero Award, WoW,  I was so taken back and had not ever in my wildest dreams thought something like this would happen.  I have been doing my charity work for the past 10 years and reflecting back this has made me realise the impact that my humble Team Zodwa Fire and Ice with the incredible help of my supportive family, special friends and amazing volunteers has made.
 

Each of the finalists had to have a makeup and photoshoot and received a bottle of Johnny Walker much to the delight of my husband and older son. They thought I was a rock star when I brought the bottle home!!
 

Then on the 8th October 2013 we were treated to an amazing dinner at the Cradle Restaurant nestled in the Cradle of Human Kind - with open spaces a few peaks surrounded the venue -  mountain girl was in her element!! I just had to negotiate my long dress and heels over the small pebbles and walk down the rock stairway to the restaurant with the wind blowing in my hair!! AWESOME!!


The MC was really entertaining, the band which was "suspended" out over the wild bush was really good.  The table decor was fantastic and the food excellent.
 

 

When we arrived we were escorted to the lower level of the restaurant. Wow it was so surreal to see all the huge portrait black and white photographs hanging from the ceiling of each of the finalists. it was really strange to see my mugshot hanging down larger than life, felt a little stupid posing in front of "me" Lol. What was really special was that the teams had hung a gold emblem depicting each finalists projects. Mine of course was a gold mountain peaks!!



 




 


 

I got to meet all the other finalists and what an amazing evening it was to interact with like minded people, each so passionate about their projects and all so humble.  I have been to many events in my lifetime and have generally found that everyone tries to outdo each other, but here I had found kindred spirit - it was not about us but about sharing our projects, dreams and needs for their success. The focus was on others and how we can save the world one finalist at a time!


 

 




it was really nice to be able to dress up and feel pretty as I am either in my bunker gear (firefighters gear) or in my mountain climbing gear either way I am dirty and don't smell so good LOL. My hubby was really chuffed to have me all dressed up!

Popular posts from this blog

via ferrata - Magaliesberg Adventure - Urban Adventure

Image
Magalies via ferrata, South Africa Ok, so those of you who know me know that I have a fear of heights, actually I think it is more of a fear of not been in control, something I have to be when I work as a paramedic. This is why I love adventures so much as it really takes me out of my comfort zone and throws me into a situation where I am not in control, not in charge but at the mercy of Mother Nature and the elements, something that actually both excites and terrifies me, but none the less brings me back time and time again for that thrill of the unknown. In my job if I give up or fail someone dies and in adventures often its the turning back or "giving up" that keeps you alive and allows you come come back and try again until you succeed. The real adventure is the journey while making your way to the top, if you get there and then back down in one piece to live the tale and sit around the fire place one day telling your captivated audience of little grandchildren ho...
Read more

The mountains are alive with...chocolate!

Image
  My family recently spent a week at Monk's Cowl camping site, deep in the Drakensberg mountains, and we were blessed to be able to hike every day. We have passed this little spot nestled within the 'Valley", as the locals refer to the area, a couple of times, but never went inside. Today we finally did and what a little bustling area, in the middle of the sticks, supported by both tourists and locals alike.  Beautifully wrapped up chocolate slabs in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. According to the lady behind the counter, who gave us all a detailed description, the white chocolate has a hint of caramel and vanilla bourbon. I love caramel so this was an instant hit with me, and found it sweet and could definitely taste the vanilla bourbon. Next was the dark chocolate, my daughter and husband's favourite chocolate. I tried out a little and was quite surprised. Rather than the bitter aftertaste from the usual dark chocolate, it was really smooth and ...
Read more

Russian Adventure: St Basil's cathedral - Red Square

Image
copyright Kim Williams This was a dream come true to be standing in front of the this huge gingerbread house that I had wondered about my entire life. As a little girl I had dreamed and wished that I would be able to see this incredible building before I die and here I was standing in front of this incredible church.   So much myth and legend has followed this breathtaking building and its surprising that little seems to be known about this church. I found myself half expecting Hansel and Gretel to pop their heads out and offer me some tea and biscuits as I stood at the bottom and gazed up into a fantasy world.  A visual art of epic kaleidoscope proportions.  selfie in front of St Basil's cathedral It is so hard to describe what a visual impact this place has, just how huge...no colossal these buildings are, just how grand and beautifully ornate. You have to appreciate the painstaking hours, years it took to complete these buildings, a...
Read more