GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — On Friday evening, September 8, the Maya Deaf Foundation (MDF) held its official launch at the Graaff-Reinet College for Tourism on Panorama Hill.
The Maya Deaf Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Graaff-Reinet and Port Elizabeth.
MDF was founded by Laszlo Maya, who currently serves as the foundation's Chairperson, as well as Ruth Abercrombie and Curltley Wildschut in February of this year.
Laszlo, who was born in Graaff-Reinet, lost his ability to hear at the age of 7 after battling mumps.
Laszlo matriculated from Union High School with an A aggregate and even played first team rugby. He firmly believes that one’s disability does not define or determine the success of your future.
In 2010 Laszlo was due for a hearing aid upgrade, his family wasn't financially able to cover the costs alone and so the community of Graaff-Reinet rallied together in support of Laszlo - through the community's assistance he received his upgrade.
It is because of this kind of continuous support received from the community of Graaff-Reinet throughout his life that he decided to give back to his home town with the establishment of MDF.
The Maya Deaf Foundation team consists of members of Laszlo’s close circle.
Ruth Abercrombie serves as secretary and is Laszlo’s partner, Curtley Wildschut, Lazlo's childhood friend, serves as the foundation's treasurer and Gerrar Maya, Lazlo's older brother, serves as chief-financial officer of MDF.
Natasha Maya serves as the events co-ordinator for MDF and is also Laszlo’s sister-in-law.
Laszlo and his co-founders also launched a successful Facebook campaign on September 1 for Deaf Awareness Month which received remarkable support from the public. This campaign and the establishment of the foundation led to Laszlo being nominated and announced as Mail and Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans.
Laszlo is hopeful that this kind of exposure will put the foundation on the map and attract support and donations from businesses and interested individuals so that the foundation is able to reach all those in need.
The Maya Deaf Foundation relies solely on donations and fundraising efforts to further their cause, for more information or to get involved you can visit the foundations official website at www.mayadeaffoundation.co.za, e-mail info@mayadeaffoundation.co.za or call -076 952 0945.
ARTICLE: SAIRA OBARAY
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