I was at the Businesswoman Of the Year Awards last night (thanks, Sharon!).  I was so inpired by being among the women who make our country great.  It reminded me of my own aspiration to earn the right to be numbered among their ranks: I want to have made a significant impact in South Africa through the empowerment of women over the next decade.

But that’s not why I’m proud of the Avos.  I listened to Maria Ramos talk to us about the strides we’re making, and the responsibility we have to make many more.  Her conclusion was an appeal to us all to make Christmas really work for South Africa this year. She asked us all to forego racking up huge budgets for Corporate Christmas gifts, and instead send our clients cards explaining to them how we spent the money on those who needed it much more.

I’m getting to why I’m proud of the Avos. We did that last year: we decided to spend the money on Vincent Xethu’s matric year’s school fees.  But now I look back on that company decision, I’m so proud of what the Avos have done: giving the money was the easy part. 

The Avos were not satisfied with that: they set up a mentorship programme with him: one person per subject, and tirelessly coached him through his whole year.  This last week they all pulled together to create a magical matric dance with him, where no effort was spared - his suit, flowers for his date, his date, his chauffer (to the dance; to the after party; home from the after party….), his spending money, even his airtime so he could sms his date…

Avos: you’re amazing!  I don’t even think you realise what an incredible thing you’ve done.  You have set Vince up to deliver the best matric he ever could have achieved, which is giving him opportunities way beyond what he could have dreamed, and you gave him a night to remember with a special smile forever! Now all he has to do is put his head down for finals, and I know you’ll continue to help him with that too!

So Christmas is on it’s way again: I can’t wait to see who we get to look after this time, but clients, please be warned - there’ll be no gifts from our house on the hill: we know you’ll understand, and love what the Avos do instead!

And that’s why I’m proud of the Avos!