Cape Town celebs decorated doors for disadvantaged

Cape Town celebrities Michelle McLean, Kyla Smith and Zolani Mahola (lead singer) from Freshlyground and actress Lee-Anne Summers decorated their doors at Artjamming (www.artjamming.co.za) at the Cape Quarter Shopping Mall.

"When we were approached by Jo-Ann Strauss to use Artjamming as a facility to paint her door and we learned what the project was about, we wanted to further our support by sponsoring materials and extending the invite to all the participants to decorate their doors at Artjamming, in Cape Town and in Johannesburg," said Leora Israel co-owner of Artjamming in South Africa. What makes this project even more unique is that each door is inspired by letters written by children supported by JCW.

Everyone applied a different approach and style to decorate the doors.

Letter received

The girls from Freshlyground used stars and newspaper bits to create a view of the famous Eifel Tower, which symbolises a door opening up to a world of opportunities. "Kids today face a lot of challenges. Imagine when you add to that the intense circumstances these kids face. Social economic issues like these can't be ignored. This project is a fun way for us to do some good," said Mahola and Smith.

Strauss was inspired by the letter of a child who thanked JCW for the opportunity he received to further his education. "I've been working with JCW for a while now. I've visited kids, held them and played with them. My door portrays the hands of support (in the form of the South African flag) needed to help these kids aspire to become something bigger than their circumstances. Someone like Nelson Mandela, for instance, who also faced daunting circumstances and has become an international role model."

Miss Universe

Michelle McLean is known for her dedication and passion to support disadvantaged children. In 1992, as Miss Universe, she founded the "Michelle McLean Children Trust" to assist and encourage the youths of Namibia to commit themselves to their future and to the future of Namibia. McLean brought her friend, Helen Stevenson, and 11-year-old son Luke (who loves doing graffiti art and was part of the inspiration of the art on the door - for children by a child), along to join in the fun. "We take so much for granted and being involved with a project like this, and being able to share this experience with Luke, makes it an even bigger privilege. I believe no matter what your circumstances, you always have an opportunity to create what you want in life. Organisations like JCW help to realise this and by supporting them you can make a difference too."

The doors will be auctioned off in February, 2011, to raise much-needed funds to continue with the vital work they do in areas including Johannesburg CBD, Soweto and Eldorado Park.