After weeks of intense voting, Cascades Lifestyle Centre has announced that Rene Morcom of PMB Assist is the winner of their inaugural Woman of Substance Campaign, which was run throughout the month of August in celebration of Women’s month.

Rene Morcom, co-founder of Thandi House, which is Assist PMB’s flagship project, received the highest number of votes ahead of Sinikiwe Biyela (Lifeline PMB and Rape Crisis Flagship), Julie Hay (Singakwenza) and Caro Smit (South Africans Against Drunk Driving – SADD).

As the winner of the Cascades Woman of Substance, Morcom receives R5000, and PMB Assist, receives a donation of R5 000, courtesy of Cascades Lifestyle Centre, as a ‘thank you’ for the great work that she does in the community.

Says Rene Morcom, co- founder of Thandi House, “R10 000 can help make a big impact in the lives of abandoned babies, abused and neglected children, and children who are unloved and unwanted by their families due to being severely mentally or physically disabled. Every child deserves love and a family regardless of their circumstance”

Cascades Lifestyle Centre’s inaugural Woman of Substance Campaign was the first of its kind for the Centre, and formed part of the centre’s celebrations of Women’s Month. It was established to raise awareness of these organisations in Pietermaritzburg, and others like it, and to let women working for their communities know that they are appreciated.

The campaign was well received, with the various charities actively promoting their women leaders and encouraging people to vote.

Says Michelle Chinnu, Property Manager at Ducatus, mastermind of this campaign, “The response that we have had from the community has been truly inspiring. It was such a close vote. Only a handful difference between them. We salute these women, and many others just like them, who are doing amazing work for people and animals in our communities.”