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Dressing up matrics' dreams

HAVE A BALL: Thandy Matlaila will make the dreams of 27 matric girls come true. Picture: Vathiswa Ruselo
HAVE A BALL: Thandy Matlaila will make the dreams of 27 matric girls come true. Picture: Vathiswa Ruselo

ACTRESS and businesswoman Thandy Matlaila turns 27 this month, and for her birthday she is giving away 27dresses.

Matlaila says she loves the movies, so this project is named after one of her favourites, 27 Dresses.

"Every little girl dreams of attending a matric farewell ball, but most of their dreams are shattered when they can't afford the gown for the dance.

"My goal is to make it a reality for some girl out there who has this desire," she says.

"Your matric farewell is one of life's most cherished moments and I want to give those memories to someone out there who is deserving."

Matlaila, an ambassador for the Gauteng Department of Arts and Culture, says this initiative is motivated by her drive to give back and educate the youth during the month of August.

The dresses will come from personalities such as Kgomotso Christopher, Zikhona Sodlaka, Nomzamo Mbatha and Sonia Booth, and some of her own dresses designed by Reginald Molamu from Reggie Star Fashions.

"The main aim is to collect and donate dresses for deserving matriculants. The recipients will be determined by how well they do at school and how they have contributed to a better community - by sport participation, excelling at school despite their home circumstances. [or] community projects," she says.

The dresses will be distributed to 27 schools after Matlaila's birthday, August 23.

For more information, email info@aptitudeconsulting.co.za