This year’s initiative, Sparks & Spender, addresses the ludicrous situation of some people being faced with a million choices, while others have none of the basic necessities. While many people can choose between a soft or medium, purple or green toothbrush and toothpaste with this or that “super function”, children and youths in South Africa have nothing at all to choose from. And this is the case with most basic hygiene products. While the need exists, the products do not, nor does the money. The lack of these necessities has serious consequences in the form of disease and, sometimes, even death.

Sparks & Spender intends to create awareness of these deficiencies and the challenges facing young South Africans. All funds raised by this year’s initiative go directly to Star for Life, a non-profit organisation working to empower children and youth in southern Africa.