The viral #Neknomination from Australia, an extreme social media drinking game, involves challengers downing alcohol, posting videos online and nominating others to outdo them.
South African, Brent Lindeque, turned the game on its head, “Downing a can of beer is easy… imagine if we all harnessed the power of social media to make a difference in real people’s lives,” says Lindeque.
SA’s Nathania de Kock, #Neknominated Joost van der Westhuizen and her J9 Foundation colleagues. The #J9MomentsOfMagic initiative to give people suffering from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience was launched.
Stuart MacFarlane, had always dreamed of taking his wife, Leoni and their three small children: Amy, Christopher and Duncan, to see Victoria Falls – one of the 7 Wonders of the World. But Stuart was diagnosed with MND in October 2011, and the family finances were quickly absorbed by medical bills.
This #Neknomination, changes that because The Bead Coalition, creator of the beaded MND bracelet, has just made Stuart’s dream a reality, with an all-expenses paid family holiday to Victoria Falls.
Says Joost, “I have been a sufferer of MND for 41 months and I have firsthand experience of how this disease changes the way you think and your priorities in life. Family is important; the love of life is invaluable, and the gift is truly in the giving. In the end, memories are all we have.”
The Bead Co. CEO, Joanne Lapin Thorpe says “Our MND bracelet is a beautiful symbol of support, particularly sentimental to me, inspired by my precious sister, Taryn, who also fights this disease. We are thrilled to sponsor the first #J9MomentsOfMagic campaign, and I know Stuart will treasure the memories of Vic Falls.”
“We are so grateful to The Bead Coalition for their generous sponsorship,” says Joost vd Westhuizen, who has some #Neknominations of his own. Joost and the J9 Foundation further nominate, Barend van Graan, CEO of the Blue Bulls, Gavin Varejes, CEO of Richmark Holdings and J9 Director, along with fellow trustee and Blink Pictures Director, Odette Schwegler. #Neknominees have 24 hours to ‘make good’.
South Africans can purchase a MND bracelet, available for R40 each, at all CNA’s, Foto First, Sneakers, Pick ‘n Pay Douglasdale or online at www.beadcoalition.com. Visit www.joost.co.za for more information on J9 Foundation and MND http://youtu.be/RiJCBRRBerE
