Top celebrities and sports stars have risen to the challenge of raising funds for street youth charity MylifE by donating signed underwear for auction…

All shapes and sizes of bras, boxers, knickers and sportswear will be on offer over the coming months, with some of the special edition items going up for sale at the charity’s Pathway to the Village event at The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay, on October 1.

Top of the list is a bra donated by Independent Democrat leader Patricia de Lille, a pair of speedos from Olympic Gold Medallist Ryk Neethling, a bra from Freshlyground lead singer Zolani Mahola, knickers from the Dirty Skirts, underwear from top swimwear model Christina Storm and underwear from former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, about to be immortalised in a Hollywood blockbuster by actor Matt Damon.

They have been supported by international celebrities James Purefoy, Mandi Sidhu and Andy Wilson who are encouraging international artists from around the world to send their underwear to South Africa.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has willingly shared the most intimate items of their wardrobe with us,” says MylifE managing director Sarah Pharo. “Now we want to hear from other stars who are prepared to join us to raise funds to realize our dream of building a village outside the city where street youth can come to be healed while developing life and leadership skills.”

MylifE currently receives no Government funding, and has supported its staff and ground-breaking work by receiving private donations from individuals who have recognized the incredible work of founder Linzi Thomas. She has recorded over 100 success stories, where young people have left their street life behind, turning their back on drugs, alcohol, crime and gangsterism, to move forward and find their passion and independence.

These include those of awarding winning chef, MK, who has been trained by Jamie Oliver after spending more than 12 years on the streets; of Martin Africa, who after 22 years on the streets has just returned for Milan, Italy, as co-captain of the South Africa Homeless World Cup soccer team, a team that was welcomed home to a standing ovation in Parliament after winning the Milan Cup. Co-founder of MylifE,Wiseman Dinizulu who after 12 years on the streets has found a career in the film industry, and has just returned from shooting a FIFA commercial in Ghana, and Freda Darvel, a pint-sized singing sensation, who lived the majority of her life on the streets before Linzi’s hands reached out to help her.

“We still have some seats available for our charity function, but be warned they are selling fast, and numbers are restricted” says Sarah. For a cost of just R777 a seat, the night will feature a gourmet meal cooked by MK, all wine with the meal, music from Ard Matthews (Just Jinger), Andy Mack (Flat Stanley) and the Jack Mantis Band, plus the world premier of the MylifE song, featuring Ryan Brown Dalton, Freda Darvel and Siphiso Jezile. Auctioneer for the night will be Ferdi Rabe, and the MCs are Dino Moran and Guy McDonald.

Stars from film and sport are already booked into the event, so this offers an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of South Africa’s top personalities while contributing to a really worthwhile cause.

Also included in the auction is a mid-week golfing break at a choice of top South African resorts, donated by Golf Resorts Club, a guitar which will be signed by all artists playing on the night, a chance to have MK cooking for your guests in your home with R6000 worth of food and wine sponsored by Woolworths, and a day at the One and Only Spa enjoying some very luxurious treatments.

Please go to www.mylife.org.za and follow the links to the event, or email aneveningwith@mylife.org.za for tickets. Dress is smart formal, and any enquiries will be answered on 021 461 0280.