Latest news with #MartinBester
The South African
18 hours ago
- Health
- The South African
'Good Morning Angels' secure R2.7 million for burn care technology
Jacaranda FM's 'Good Morning Angels' has raised an impressive R2.7 million to support child burn survivors in South Africa. The fundraising took place on Youth Day, 16 June, during the popular Breakfast with Martin Bester show. The goal was to replace a specialised laser machine at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Johannesburg. The machine is essential for treating burn scars in children, but broke down in late 2024 and cannot be repaired. These advanced laser machines cost around R1.4 million each. The machines are vital for restoring mobility and reducing scarring caused by burns, according to Media Update . Trained plastic surgeons operate the machines, which play a crucial role in the physical and psychological healing of young burn survivors. The Avela Foundation will use the funds to help up to 40 children every month on their recovery journey. A brave young girl named Avela inspired the foundation, which focuses on offering hope and healing to child burn survivors across South Africa. Listeners of Jacaranda FM responded generously, reaching the target for one machine just before 8 a.m. Donations continued to pour in after that. When the supplier offered a discount on a second machine for R1.3 million, the station set a new challenge. By the end of the show, R2.52 million had been raised, and the final total reached R2.7 million the next morning. This means two laser machines will be purchased, doubling the impact of the fundraiser for burn victims. Martin Bester, host of the Breakfast show, expressed his gratitude. 'It's hard to describe the emotion in the studio that morning. Knowing that our listeners didn't just show up, they showed up big. This was about giving children their futures back. We started Youth Day, celebrating the resilience of our young people, and ended it knowing hundreds more will get the chance to heal. That's what radio can do – it connects people and inspires miracles'. The campaign also received significant support from LottoStar, whose donation of R697,000 helped reach the first target early and motivated others to continue giving. The Machi Filotimo Cancer Project also contributed, supporting the campaign for burn victims and bringing joy to young patients at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital through a toy distribution. This initiative showcases the power of collective generosity and the commitment of South Africans to uplift the next generation. It stands as a fitting tribute to the courage of child burn survivors and the transformative role of community-driven efforts like Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WarmFees collects 667 blankets in the West
WarmFees made its debut in the West Rand recently when it hosted an event that brought together hundreds of people collecting blankets for the homeless and animal shelters through their Winter Knights project. The event, held at Berlin Bear, featured live music and surprise performances that brought the community together in a spirit of celebration and excitement. Organised by Round Table North Ridge 117 in partnership with Berlin Bear, and supported by Jacaranda FM, WarmFees collected an impressive total of 667 blankets, which will be donated to those in need. 'Words cannot describe how grateful we are for the amount of love and support we received at this amazing event,' expresses the chairperson of Round Table 117, Wynand Warren. Entry to the event was free, and people had to bring blankets, and those who couldn't were allowed to purchase one at the venue. Popular Jacaranda FM presenter and singer Martin Bester entertained the crowd. There was a surprise performance by Prime Circle and a surprise song by none other than The Parlotones, which made the night a special one to remember for the people. 'We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in our event on Saturday,' says Wynand. He also went on to thank the event organisers and people who made the event a heartwarming and successful one. The Round Table will be hosting more blanket drives, and people who would like to get involved or find out more information can contact them via their Facebook page, Northridge 117 or send an email to PRO@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
