Hikes unite communities for autism awareness
The Be The BEST Version of YOURSELF (BTBVOY) Foundation recently hosted a 'hike for inclusion' for autism awareness, with events held simultaneously on April 26 at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Johannesburg and Paradise Valley Nature Reserve in Durban.
The day brought together families, children, educators, and organisations to highlight the importance of autism inclusion and acceptance.
Both cities experienced a vibrant community spirit, heartfelt conversations, and a collective commitment to creating more inclusive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Nolan Pillay, founder of the BTBVOY Foundation, acknowledged the overwhelming love and support shown by every individual and family involved.
'This event was more than a hike; it was a walk of awareness, empathy, and unity,' said Pillay.
Miya Nomkhosi from the Department of Community Safety said, 'The Autism Awareness Hike for Inclusion has been both thought-provoking and heartwarming for us as a department.
'Attending this hike with the BTBVOY foundation reminded us to be kind to humanity and showed us the power of doing good collectively. We look forward to collaborating with the foundation and supporting their empowerment programmes.'
Pillay also thanked the mothers who attended and the autism experts, Connie, Nimmi, and Devina, who courageously shared their personal journeys.
'Their insights helped deepen participants' understanding and sparked meaningful conversations about the need for greater awareness and support.
'The foundation thanked its sponsors, donors, and partners who made these events possible,' Pillay added.
In Johannesburg, they thanked Tony Naidoo (Overnight Logistics), Magid, Rev Collision, Shoba (PepsiCo), Miya (Department of Community Safety), Pick n Pay Sheridan Centre, and StraightTalkWithNolan.
In Durban, they thanked Aquelle, Country Bake, Bhavna Singh, Nurturing Minds, Girls and Boys Town, and the Durban Organising Committee.
To support the work of the foundation, visit www.bethebestversionofyourself.co.za
Also Read: Join the Hike for Inclusion on Saturday
Also Read: WATCH: Farrarmere resident will again conquer Kilimanjaro for a great cause
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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The Citizen
24-05-2025
- The Citizen
Hikes unite communities for autism awareness
The Be The BEST Version of YOURSELF (BTBVOY) Foundation recently hosted a 'hike for inclusion' for autism awareness, with events held simultaneously on April 26 at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Johannesburg and Paradise Valley Nature Reserve in Durban. The day brought together families, children, educators, and organisations to highlight the importance of autism inclusion and acceptance. Both cities experienced a vibrant community spirit, heartfelt conversations, and a collective commitment to creating more inclusive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. Nolan Pillay, founder of the BTBVOY Foundation, acknowledged the overwhelming love and support shown by every individual and family involved. 'This event was more than a hike; it was a walk of awareness, empathy, and unity,' said Pillay. Miya Nomkhosi from the Department of Community Safety said, 'The Autism Awareness Hike for Inclusion has been both thought-provoking and heartwarming for us as a department. 'Attending this hike with the BTBVOY foundation reminded us to be kind to humanity and showed us the power of doing good collectively. We look forward to collaborating with the foundation and supporting their empowerment programmes.' Pillay also thanked the mothers who attended and the autism experts, Connie, Nimmi, and Devina, who courageously shared their personal journeys. 'Their insights helped deepen participants' understanding and sparked meaningful conversations about the need for greater awareness and support. 'The foundation thanked its sponsors, donors, and partners who made these events possible,' Pillay added. In Johannesburg, they thanked Tony Naidoo (Overnight Logistics), Magid, Rev Collision, Shoba (PepsiCo), Miya (Department of Community Safety), Pick n Pay Sheridan Centre, and StraightTalkWithNolan. In Durban, they thanked Aquelle, Country Bake, Bhavna Singh, Nurturing Minds, Girls and Boys Town, and the Durban Organising Committee. To support the work of the foundation, visit Also Read: Join the Hike for Inclusion on Saturday Also Read: WATCH: Farrarmere resident will again conquer Kilimanjaro for a great cause At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- The Citizen
Hike for inclusion unites community
IN celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Be The Best Version of Yourself (BTBVOY) Foundation hosted its annual Hike for Inclusion on Saturday, April 26, at the Paradise Valley Nature Reserve which brought together families, youth, and purpose-driven individuals for a powerful day of connection, awareness, and fundraising. Also read: Westville Conservancy leads wildlife walk The event marked the official start of BTBVOY's 2026 Mount Kilimanjaro fundraising campaign, part of a bi-annual tradition that supports underrepresented causes. Previous climbs in 2022 and 2024 highlighted deaf awareness, cancer, mental health, and youth empowerment. This upcoming climb shifts its focus towards Autism Awareness, support for the blind, and the expansion of the Youth Skills Village movement. Participants enjoyed a guided 5km hike, inclusive children's activities, a joyful Easter egg hunt, and delicious food and refreshments all set against the natural beauty of Paradise Valley. The event featured autism-inclusive activities designed to ensure children of all abilities could participate. 'This is more than a symbolic event. It creates real impact, helps fund real solutions, and builds real bridges toward inclusion,' said campaign manager Arlene Cairncross. At the heart of BTBVOY's mission is a powerful belief that everyone deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves, a vision inspired by the personal journey of founder Nolan Pillay, a global award-winning mindset specialist who transformed hardship into healing and hope. Also read: Join walk to raise cancer awareness 'While Nolan continues to lead the charge toward our 2026 Kilimanjaro climb and prepares to release his upcoming book, this movement is growing beyond just one person. It's a community of changemakers, allies, and young leaders working toward lasting inclusion,' added Cairncross. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- The Citizen
Join the Hike for Inclusion on Saturday
April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Be The Best Version of Yourself (BTBVOY) Foundation invites members of the public to its powerful Hike for Inclusion on April 26. Taking place simultaneously in Johannesburg at Rietvlei Zoo Farm and in Durban at Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, the Hike for Inclusion promises attendees the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and support a future rooted in understanding and acceptance. Farramere resident and founder of the Be The Best Version of Yourself Foundation, Nolan Pillay, said this special event will celebrate community, compassion, and inclusivity, offering families, friends, allies, and advocates an opportunity to raise awareness for autism through a vibrant celebration of community and inclusivity hosted by the BTBVOY Foundation. 'This exciting day promises a guided 5km hike through scenic trails, delicious food and refreshments, a fun-filled Easter egg hunt, and engaging autism-inclusive activities designed for children of all abilities,' said Pillay. Pillay said the Hike for Inclusion also marks the start of BTBVOY's awareness and fundraising journey leading up to its next Mount Kilimanjaro climb in 2026, a biannual tradition that raises vital support for underrepresented causes. Following the successful 2022/2024 climb, which focused on the deaf community, cancer awareness, mental wellbeing, and youth empowerment through the skills village, the 2026 climb shifts its focus to autism awareness, support for the blind, and the continued growth of the Youth Skills Village movement. Pillay said these climbs and local events are not just symbolic; they create real impact, fund real solutions, and build real bridges toward inclusion. To participate or for sponsorships, contact Seema Pillay (Johannesburg) at 061 703 3750 or Arlene Cairncross (KZN) at 083 379 3034 / 081 371 2905. You can also email info@ Also Read: Help organisation raise funds for those living with autism Also Read: Daveyton play group owner raises awareness on autism At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
