Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014, hand over funds raised to Ons Huis Trust

Today was the official handover of all funds raised for Ons Huis (Home for mentally challenged children and adults) during my recent fundraising event as Mr. GSA Finalist 2014.

  “It was great to see the joy and gratefulness in which these funds raised were received. Even though this is a home for mentally challenged children and adults, the smiles on the residents faces told me that they knew exactly what transpired and with every hug I got, I was humbled by their unconditional love and support for me.”

I would like to thank again, every person who contributed to the Helgard Marais and Ons Huis fundraising raffle. After my visit this morning I can promise you that it is clear that your contribution made a difference to these mentally challenged kids and adults lives. 

Thank you, thank you!

World AIDS DAY 2013 - Message from Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist.

Today is a day we have the opportunity to take stock of our lives. Evaluate our health, sexual behavior, the health risks we may be exposing ourselves to and the potential risks we may be taking with other peoples lives.

Today I honor all of our friends that have suffered and passed on due to HIV & AIDS. Although this is not a day of celebration, I do celebrate the thousands of people who have survived this disease, their courage, strength and will to live. All of you are an inspiration and I am thankful that I can still share smiles with you each day. I wish you health and happiness today.

I also want to say thank you, to all the healthcare professionals, individuals and organisations, such as Health4Men, who dedicate their time to improving the lives of people affected and infected with HIV & AIDS.

Be responsible, use a condom and know your status.

Health4Men:

Health4Men is an organisation that provides competent sexual healthcare to men who have sex with men (MSM). At the Health4Men sites men can access free STI screening and treatment which includes HIV screening and ARV treatment. A lot of men are subjected to homoprejudice when they access public healthcare, especially when it comes to sexual health.  Health4Men works in partnership with the Department of Health to ensure that healthcare workers at carefully chosen public clinics are trained to be competent in MSM sexual healthcare and their specific needs. Health4Men is also actively involved in prevention and education by doing HIV screenings in the community, distributing lube and condoms to MSM frequented venues and disseminating educational materials.

For any sexual health related issues, contact Health4Men:

011 581 5000

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Health4Men/118812974923828?ref=br_tf

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 - R 25 410 raised for Ons Huis Trust

I would like to thank everyone for your support, participation and contributions to my fundraising event held on 24 November 2013 in aid of Ons Huis Trust.

The event was a huge success thanks to all of you supporting this cause and my involvement as Mr. Gay South Africa Finalist for 2014.

I am very pleased to report back that, after all expenses were paid, we managed to raise an astounding nett amount of R 25 510.00!! This will be donated to Ons Huis shortly and provide much needed financial assistance for this amazing organisation looking after mentally challenged adults & children.

Special thanks to our raffle prize sponsors and congratulations to the winners:

1) 3 Tier Information Technology - Premier package Mangwanani Day spa experience valued at R 2300: Sonia Van der Merwe (Pretoria)
2) Vodashop Woodmead - Blackberry Q5 valued at R 5700: Joy van Stavel (Johannesburg)
3) The Travel Link - Flights & Accommodation for 2 to Cape Town for 2 nights to the value of R 8500: Cora Marais (Western Cape)
4) SevenC Computing - Samsung Galaxy Tab III LTE valued at R 7500 : Avy Violari (Johannesburg)
5) SevenC Computing - Samsung Galaxy Tab III 10.1" valued at R 7500: Ben Zengerink (Viljoenskroon)

Thank you to all other sponsors:
1) Mark Culverwell - Thank you for a beautiful venue provided and the huge sponsorship for all the drinks.
2) Johan Grobler - DJ and sound services
3) The Dreemz - Thank you for a FANTASTIC show and your involvement in this fundraiser!
4) Everyone else who contributed on making this event such a big success.

Look out for all the pictures of this event on my Facebook page and blog shortly. Please remember to vote for me daily.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helgard.marais.12
Blog: http://helgardmarais.blogspot.com/
Vote for Helgard Marais: http://www.mambaonline.com/2013/10/04/vote-for-mr-gsa-2013/

For all the event photos, visit my Face Book page: https://www.facebook.com/helgard.marais.12/media_set?set=a.10152106576659789.1073741833.562254788&type=3

Helgard Marais & Ons Huis Fundraising Raffle

During a recent Christmas market hosted by my charity Ons Huis in Pretoria, I decided that it was a good opportunity to support them during this event and also to draw attention to my involvement with this charity as a finalist for Mr. GSA 2014.

I booked a market spot and promoted my upcoming charity event where I would be raising funds in aid of Ons Huis Trust.

People at the market were very supportive and a lot of conservative people attended this market, it was also a great opportunity for me to introduce them to the Mr. GSA competition, what it stands for and what we do as finalists.

 
At some stages it needed fairly basic education for some people to grasp what "gay" means...hehe and it was great fun having to answer serious questions posed to me such as:
"So who is the man and who is the woman" :-)

It was great to support this cause and also have the opportunity to sell many tickets for my fundraising event, gaining more support for me as a Mr. GSA Finalist as well as for the charity, Ons Huis.

And the most rewarding part of the day was to spend some time with the some of the residents at Ons Huis. These mentally challenged adults and children amazed me with their kindness, wittiness and sense of humor...let a alone energy levels to admire!  They are an absolute volcano of joy and love. Truly humbling to to listen to some of their stories and interacting with them.

All these amazing "kids" want, is to give you love and be loved! Help me to support them! If you have not purchased your raffle tickets for the Helgard Marais & Ons Huis Fundraising Raffle to be held on 24 November 2013, Contact me now!

See previous post below for the official Fundraising invitation.

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 help find Miss Simply Blue 2013

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist for 2014 with the panel of judges in the search for perfection, Miss Simply Blue 2013

Helgard Marais, Nabil Ali Toudert, Mark Culverwell & Mike Ebersohn having a blast at Club Simply Blue

6 Stunning "ladies" competing for the title of Miss Simply Blue 2013

Second time round a awesome evening at Club Simply Blue. Well done to all my fellow judges as it surely was round of talent, performance, class and beauty!

A big thank you for the invitation from Club Simply Blue to be a part of this judging round and yet again providing a night of glitz, glamor, laughter and fun!

And lastly, to all the contestants - "May the best.....Woman....win!"

Helgard Marais & Ons Huis Fundraising raffle - The Dreemz performing live!

Have you purchased your raffle tickets yet? See invitation on my blog and facebook timeline. Hurry up, only 600 tickets for sale with awesome prizes to win! Contact me now!

The amazing Dreemz will be performing live during the raffle draw on 24 November 2013.

Miss K Mills is a stand up comedienne of extraordinary talent. She’ll have you in stitches from start to finish with her quick repertoire and irreverent sense of humour. A woman of the world. She has had a life littered with numerous husbands – all fallen by the wayside, but she’s still here to tell the tale.

Holly Diamond is the unmistakable ‘beauty’ of the group. Freshly botoxed she will stun you with her beauty. Some men have threatened to leave their dowdy wives for her. She has refused all advances as her ‘plumbing system’ is still not fully operational! Women envy her curvaceous figure. Something easily attainable if you visit foamworld@theplaza.com

Crystal De Kunta is the over the top sister that no family wants. Sassy, Sexy and oh so naughty, she breaks all the rules to get what she wants, to entertain you all the way to the thrilling finale!

Invitation to Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014, and Ons Huis Fundraising Raffle

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 tango with the Divas at Club Simply Blue!

 "So you think you're a Diva!" competition was kindly presented by Health4Men and hosted by Club Simply Blue this past weekend.

As a Finalist for Mr. GSA 2014, it was an amazing experience being part of the judging panel. The competitors went all out to impress the judges and the audience. These tall beauties had moves that gave me backache just by watching these talented performers! It was a wonderful experience to see how well this competition was supported by the community. As a Finalist for Mr. GSA 2014 I want to highlight issues of sexual health and therefor fully support extraordinary programmes such as Health4Men that have become a brand on its own within South Africa, looking after our communities health issues and providing very important support / medical services. Health4Men is a programme that is dedicated to improving the lives of people infected and affected by HIV. In particular providing support to the MSM community. (Men who have sex with Men). They play a vital role in sexual and health education.

Helgard Marais with the winner 'Drew" of "So you think you're a Diva 2013"

Helgard Marais with Club Simply Blue owner Jerome

 A special thank you to Club Simply Blue owner Jerome and staff. You made me feel so welcome and went out of your way to make me comfortable. I would highly recommend anyone to visit Club Simply Blue. This Club is well maintained, super clean, has friendly staff and have a great vibe! I will definitely visit them again!

Judges panel

Helgard Marais and Nabil Ali Toudert

Helgard Marais with Programme Manager Glenn de Swardt and MC, Lucky Mafomekoane from Health4Men

 This competition was arranged by Heath4Men, creating awareness about sexual issues and sexual health.

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 engages with the audience

Helgard Marais lobbying for support of the Mr. Gay South Africa competition and his partaking as Finalist.

Helgard Marais with Miss Black Gay Pride - "Candice"

Helgard Marais with Miss Gay Ekurhuleni 2013 and performing artist Lebos on the right.

Helgard Marais with Miss Simply Blue 2013 - "Rosslyn"

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist parties the night away at Pink Stones Boksburg!

A special thank you for Pink Stones in Boksburg for hosting the Top 10 Mr. GSA 2014 Finalists.

Thank you Kayce and Jaco for making us feel so welcome and comfortable, well looked after and providing us with loads of fun and entertainment in your awesome club.

Helgard Marais with Kayce Keyser

Helgard Marais with Jaco Le Roux

Helgard Marais and stunning partner Nabil Ali Tourdert

Pink Stones:
Venter Centre co Northrand & Rietffontein Rd, "Stones Boksburg"

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Stones/312808765521433

Vocalize’s 7th Annual Charity Concert, in aid of the Order of St John

As a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I feel that it’s important to raise awareness and provide support to all organisations that do good and support the less-fortunate. Mr. GSA should be a person that is admired by all communities for his kindness, generosity and support. He should be an ambassador not only for the LGBTIAQ community but also for all other communities.

I am fortunate to be able to support “Joy Sounds” presented by “Vocalize” in order to raise funds for the Order of St. John. Please come and join me with this exciting lineup of artists: Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, Lennon & McCartney, The Beach Boys, Rodgers & Hart, Leonard Cohen, and The Real Group... all entertainingly arranged for voices in close harmony.

Vocalize is proud to present their 7th Annual Charity Concert, in aid of the Order of St John.

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, commonly known as the Order of St John, is one of five mutually recognized orders of St John. Revived in the United Kingdom in the mid 19th century, the Order of St John is able to trace its origins back over 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller. 

Since those early days, the Order of St John has grown into an international non-profit, non-denominational organizations comprising over 30 000 members worldwide and operating in almost 40 countries including South Africa, the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

In South Africa, the Order of St John is represented by the following foundations:

•    St John Ambulance Foundation

•    St John Ophthalmic Foundation

•    St John Training & Education Foundation

"Joy Sounds" is a programme that celebrates the joy of vocal harmony, from the jazz techniques of improvisation, vocalese, scat and vocal percussion, to the lushest 5-part harmonies. The entertaining show will cover classic showtunes, jazz and swing numbers, and the best in a cappella arranging!

The concerts will be held at the stately Glenshiel in Westcliff, one of Johannesburg's famous historic homes, which was built for Sir William and Lady Dalrymple in 1908. The show starts at 8.00pm on Saturday evening, and 4.00pm on Sunday afternoon. A glass of wine, coffee and tea will be served during the interval. Safe parking is available in the grounds of Glenshiel.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the Order of St John, which is based at Glenshiel and cares for people through First Aid training and Eye Care clinics, amongst other good works.

Tickets: R150 per person

Upcoming shows

09/11/13     Joy Sounds   Glenshiel      8:00pm   Johannesburg  

10/11/13     Joy Sounds   Glenshiel      4:00pm   Johannesburg  

Book your tickets now via Saul Bamberger:

saulb@polka.co.za / 083-4140041

For more information visit their website at:

http://www.vocalize-singers.com  

See you there!

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 - Awesome day at JHB Gay Pride!

 "Johannesburg Pride was hosted as the first domestic event of this nature in response to the rise of democracy, bolstered by the release of former President Nelson Mandela in 1990.  It sought to advocate for inclusive equality, and the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (aka Polysexual), Transgender, Intersex, Asexual and Agender as well as Queer (LGBTIAQ) rights as inclusive of Human Rights."

"The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, approved by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996 underscored universal human rights to all... South Africans prohibiting inter alia discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender - the first of its kind in the world. Despite the legal protection of the LGBTIAQ minorities, social prejudice and stigmatisation remains."

"The ongoing perpetration of violence and intimidation against the LGBTIAQ community raises the need to redress social discrimination. Homophobia, transphobia, “corrective” rape which at time includes murder, and LGBTIAQ hate crimes are just a few of these social challenges that needs to be redressed."

"Thus, Johannesburg Pride seeks to celebrate the legal strides made in South Africa including additional legislation such as marriage equality for gays and lesbians since 2006, and the legal alteration of gender description in identity documents since 2003.  Legalities not specificallyaddressed in the Constitution anomalous to then respective current applicable laws. Johannesburg Pride equally seeks to redress the social and prejudicial discrimination of LGBTIAQ and the right to equality and dignity."

"In addition South Africa needs to be a champion of these rights in support of its immediate neighbours within the Southern African Development  Community (SADC) as well as on the African continent as a whole, while not discounting countries where LGBITAQ is criminalised."

"Despite the ratification of the  African Union’s (AU) Charter on Human and People’s Rights by 53 AU states, and while the United Nations’ instrument has universal application, scores of African countries specifically finger the LGBTQI minority for particular crimininalisation, vilification and subjugation. Johannesburg Pride stands in solidarity" 

As a openly gay man and a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I am proud to have been part of the 2013 Johannesburg Pride celebrations. I encourage fellow community members to support events like this, not only to celebrate but to ensure that we are noticed and recognised as community. To lobby for our rights and place within a bigger society.

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 call on all Diva's!

For all you Diva's and Diva supporters out there and everyone else that wants to join a good party! In support of Health4Men, as a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I will be one of the judges for this competition. A evening full of entertainment and fun at Simply Blue this coming Friday evening!

See you there!