Philanthropist Carolyn Steyn is set to receive an honorary Global Impact Award from the Global African Awards (GAA) and will be among the recipients to be announced on March 24, 2021.
The annual international awards brand will be hosting a virtual ceremony on the 24th, with Steyn among some of the notable names who have had a global impact through various initiatives and achievements.
The GAA announced that Steyn will be honoured along with other African leaders who have made a positive impact in different parts of the world.
Carolyn Steyn is a respected figure in the philanthropic and cultural world and most notably known as the founder of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement.
The social call to action, in honour of the late statesman and global icon Nelson Mandela, has gathered traction around the world as it gets into its 8th year of existence since formation in 2013.
The movement has amassed over 15,000 members and is represented in over 20 countries around the world from its initial small group of Carolyn’s volunteer friends.
Steyn kickstarted the initiative following a challenge from her friend, Zelda la Grange, to make 67 blankets for donation in honour of the 67 minutes of goodwill observed on Nelson Mandela Day in South Africa.
Mandela Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on Nelson Mandela's birthday on July 18.
The initiative has grown to become a renowned goodwill movement with a wide global network. A few years ago, they partnered with the South African Department of Correctional Services to introduce the initiative as part of the curriculum at every prison.
The 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement has also set and shattered Guinness Book of World Records for "The Largest Crochet Blanket in the World" and set community-defining changes in its existence.
Steyn has been running the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative alongside her other responsibilities and professional obligations.
The multi-talented philanthropist is also an actress and radio presenter on Classic1027FM. Steyn is involved in various initiatives and sits on the board the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO).
She also sits on the board of Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud (IFAS), a French Institute in South Africa which is involved in the promotion of arts & culture, cinema & media, as well as research and various other functions.
The Global African Awards are an annual celebration of African achievers and leaders who are making positive strides in the world founded by Conrad Mwanza.
The 2021 annual awards dinner gala, in partnership with Brand South Africa, was set to be held at the Mayfair Hotel in London but will now be held virtually because of Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.
A Winners' Reception will be held in August this year in the United Kingdom.
(PS:
artSMart owner/editor Caroline Smart is one of the KZN Ambassadors for 67 Blankets. Contact
csmart@iafrica.com)
Posts
