Charity does not only begin at home, but in the streets of the City of Joburg as well.
That was the scene as residents took to Parkhurst 4th Avenue for the ‘Red CARnival’ event to create awareness and raise charity funds for the Smile Foundation on Sunday 22 April 2018.
Themed ‘dress in Red, drive in Red’, the spectacle saw around 400 in attendance and witnessed an array of red classic and vintage cars such as the Ariel Atom, Porsche 356 Speedster, Jaguar E-type, Lancia Fulvia and Alfa Romeo 2000 among the vehicles being showcased.
This event gave people the opportunity to take a ride on the 1952 Original Red London Bus from the City-owned James Hall Museum of Transport, which boasts the largest and the most comprehensive collection of souvenirs, relics and distinct-curiosity cars.
Now celebrating its third year, the Red CARnival embraces the opportunity to create awareness for the Smile Foundation, a non-governmental organisation with a comprehensive health care vision for children living with facial conditions. The Vintage and Veteran Club, alongside Craft Restaurant and other traders on 4th Avenue are key players in driving the project to success. It raises funds through a parking fee as a donation toward the Smile Foundation and a total of 2 500 red balloons were sold.
“It is indeed a pleasure to see people come out in their numbers to support a cause as good as raising funds and creating awareness and giving these kids back their smiles. We face great challenges in funding some of the surgeries performed, but would also like to thank everyone who lent a helping hand which, it is much appreciated,” said Moira Gerszt, Operations Executive Director for the Smile Foundation.
“Much appreciation also has to be extended to all those who took time off their daily activities to volunteer in driving this initiative forward.”
James Smith of the James Hall Museum of Transport added: “Nothing better personifies the word ‘community’ than the Red CARnival and the joy of seeing residents out in the streets walking their dogs, having fun and listening to the roars of vintage car engines.”
Other events on the James Hall Museum calendar include International Museum Day held annually on May 20 where activities will include bus rides, demonstrations, guided tours and vintage car showcases as well as May 24 which hosts ‘From Horse-drawn To Electrical Current; The Story Of Joburg Trams’.
The museum is at Pioneers’ Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle, Johannesburg.
Written by Johannes Phosa
