Siya Kolisi, SA Rugby player recently became the ambassador of the #TouchofCare campaign, launched by Vicks, mentholated topical ointment associated with care. Upon hearing about the campaign through Roc Nation Sports, Kolosi decided to make a difference.
The campaign shares stories of children around the globe who have experienced difficult circumstances and have been changed by a simple touch of care.“The message is that, while not every child is born into a nurturing and unconditionally loving family, every child deserves a touch of care to reach their full potential. It is only through care that children have a chance to rise above their circumstances, “said Kolisi.
Vicks SA Brand Manager, Prenessa Pillay encourages South Africans to watch and share Tom’s story, and remember that a little care really can go a long way. The story intends to provoke conversation around the impact of care on those who need it most,” said Pillay.
Against the backdrop of an online short film chosen for the South African #TouchofCare campaign which tells the poignant story of an orphaned boy named Lizo Tom. Kolisi and his wife opened their home to Kolisi’s two half-siblings after their mother died. The children had landed up in the foster care system when their dad also died shortly after. He stepped in and opened his home to the kids. A simple touch of care, no matter how big or small, has the power to change lives” said Kolisi.
Tom was abandoned at birth but, with the help of Mama Abisana whom he met at a children’s home, he was able to embrace life and love. He founded the Luvuyo Centre for Early Childhood Development and Care in honour of Mama Abisana and his late son Luvuyo, offering a place of safety and care for children in his community while their parents are at work. “By doing this, I can share the care that Mama Abisana gave me as a child with the children of my community and make sure everyone has a place where they can develop into caring, community-driven adults
When Tom lost his six-year-old son, he was comforted by Mama Abisana who reminded him that “We are not put on this earth for ourselves but for others. I am because we are” said Mama Abisana. This powerful message helped Tom realize that if he could not be a father to one, he would be a father figure to many.
