Casual Day ambassador urges participation

The 19-year-old's empathy for persons with disabilities is partly as a result of being diagnosed with Absence Epilepsy when she was nine years old, but she has never allowed her condition to stand in the way of achieving her dreams and goals.

Laxton's commitment to community service projects is evident in her appointment as Youth Ambassador for Epilepsy SA when she was only 16 years of age and more recently Ambassador for Casual Day. Not only has she been chosen as a finalist for the Miss Earth SA 2013 competition, but she was recently also awarded a Presidential Scholarship to study Fine Arts at Pratt University in New York.

Problems the result of poverty

It is her strong affinity for people and her deep connection to the environment that inspires her to create artworks that have deep meaning and that resonate a strong message to everyone that experiences them. She has a deep concern for the incredible human suffering of people living on the African continent as well as the destruction of the environment and our animals.

Her research into these problems has shown her that a lot of it is synonymous with poverty. As a young South African she feels compelled to try and make a difference. She says her contributions to society are more important than her limitations. As an Ambassador for Epilepsy SA her mandate is to educate young people about epilepsy and assist with fundraising. As a Casual Day Ambassador she visits organisations that provide services to children with disabilities and creating awareness on her social networks around Casual Day.

Making a difference

"Even at this young age, she is a role model," says Casual Day project leader Celeste Vinassa. "She has a deep understanding of what it is like to be bullied at school because she has a condition called Absence Epilepsy. A typical absence seizure consists of a sudden loss of awareness. The child will suddenly stop their activities and stare blankly into space. She was the butt of many a joke at school and teachers thought she was daydreaming."

Laxton feels her achievements are defined by what she can contribute and the difference that she can make. She is very active in her own community and is currently organising a fundraiser for Casual Day at the S.W.E.A.T. 1000 franchise in Bedfordview on Friday 6 September. "We want to turn this into a really fun event, so come to S.W.E.A.T. to get your stickers, go big and make a big impact on the world," she urges.

To participate in Casual Day and Go Big, go to www.casualday.co.za.