Miss 40 Up ready to tackle the hard work

The Yahweh Down Syndrome Foundation recently hosted its biggest fundraiser to date, the Miss Up beauty pageant, where Ursula Thomas was crowned as winner.

Thomas says she has big plans to assist the foundation this year. “Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for the foundation. Along with the two Miss 40 Up runners-up, Nicolene Isaacs and Porsche Mouton, we are going to work hard to make the dream of buying a bus for the Yahweh Down Syndrome Primary School a reality.”

The Foundation and Primary School were established by Bonita Antoncich in honour of her son, Nehemiah who has Down Syndrome. Last year, Antoncich and her team established the primary school to cater to her son and other children with Down Syndrome by repurposing a 12 m container. Although the focus is on children with Down Syndrome, the school is open to any child.

Thomas said that a bus is necessary to assist the school in transporting the children to and from school. “There are many children who wish to attend the Yahweh Down Syndrome Primary School but can’t due to transport challenges. Additionally, there are many activities for the children to attend, but they can't participate because of these challenges.

“I really want to work hard this year and ensure that during my reign as Miss 40 Up, I raise as much money as possible. I am committed to doing my best to support these children,” Thomas added.

Thomas was crowned second runner-up in the pageant last year and impressed the judges enough to win the Miss 40 Up title this year. “It was a great way for me to step out of my comfort zone, but most importantly, it’s an absolute pleasure to work with the children. This was my third year entering Miss 40 Up to raise awareness for the foundation, and at the same time, it’s a fun and rewarding experience. I mean, at 52, there’s hope for us 40 and over ladies on the runway.