03-05-2025
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.
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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.
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'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.
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