Talk Sign Ambassador, Norma Millar, and her best friend, Samantha Antoncich, are taking on Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for the Talk Sign Campaign, an initiative of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society.
The aim of the Talk Sign campaign is to promote South African Sign Language and raise money through fundraising projects and the sale of Talk Sign stickers. These funds will be used to educate and find employment for people who are Deaf.
The duo will be making the climb from the 6th to the 14th February 2015 and all funds raised will go towards the Talk Sign Campaign. Norma’s parents are both Deaf and as a result she is very much part of the Deaf Community and, in turn, passionate about raising awareness for Sign Language.
“The Deaf Community is the closest knit community I have been exposed to,” explains Norma. “It is very difficult for people who are Deaf to be fully part of a hearing social event, as it is hard to lip read unless someone is facing you squarely, so group conversations in a hearing environment are incredibly strenuous, and challenging. If more people knew Sign Language, people who are Deaf or hard of hearing would not feel so isolated and lonely in this environment,” continues Norma.
Having been friends for twenty five years, Norma could not think of a better person to climb Kilimanjaro with than Sam.
In their twenties, the friends did the Camel Adventure Challenge together and, although they were completed unprepared, they did exceptionally well. When Norma approached Sam to join her on the climb, one of her bucket list items, Sam was not too keen.
Norma persuasively explained that when they have grandchildren, she will be the ‘machine of a granny’ who did the Camel Adventure and climbed Kilimanjaro for charity, while Sam would have simply just completed the Camel Adventure.
This was enough to get Sam on-board who also feels passionately about the plight of people who are Deaf, having spent a lot of time with Norma’s parents, Jean and Bobby.
In June last year Norma had a health scare and the goal to climb Kilimanjaro was intensified for both climbers. “You just never know what life holds. You have to do the things you want to while you are healthy and able and, in turn, make as many memories as possible while you can,” explains Norma.
“I’m looking forward to pushing myself to try and achieve a successful summit and am looking forward to doing it with my soulmate friend. If she can conquer Cancer, then we can hopefully conquer the mountain,” concludes Sam.
Norma wants to bring back a little rock for each of her three children and her husband, as there is a tradition that any rock taken off the mountain must be put back. The intention is that when her youngest, Ben, turns eighteen the whole family, Matt, Daniella and hubby, Clyde, will do it together.
Should you wish to sponsor them, please make a deposit into the below account. No amount is too small. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
Banking Details:
Account Name: KZNBDS
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 050715410
Branch Code: 040026
Branch: Kingsmead
Reference: TS Norms & Sam plus your name
Kindly email proof of payment to ruvanya@talksign.co.za or fax to 031-3093048.
Talk Sign Day takes place on Friday, 13th March 2015. To book a presentation at your school or business or to order stickers for R10 each, please contact Ellisha on ellisha@talksign.co.za.