Jacaranda FM’s Managing Director, Deirdre King, was honoured with the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Recognition during the 2024 Good Morning Angels Golf Day dinner.

The recognition was presented by the Fourways Main Reef Rotary Club in acknowledgment of Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels initiative and their continuous service to the less fortunate in the community.

Steve Margo from the Fourways Rotary Club nominated Good Morning Angels to the Rotary International Head Office in the USA for this significant honour. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a testament to the impact Good Morning Angels has made in changing lives through its charitable efforts. As the highest officer at Jacaranda FM, Deirdre was recognised for her bold leadership and the station’s commitment to uplifting communities. 

Speaking about the recognition, Steve Margo said, “We are incredibly proud to bestow the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition upon Deirdre King and Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels team. Their dedication to improving the lives of those in need truly aligns with the values of Rotary, and their contribution to society has been invaluable.”

King reflected on the recognition and the work done by the Jacaranda FM team saying "I am deeply moved and honoured to receive this recognition on behalf of Jacaranda FM and Good Morning Angels.

The work we do to help those in need wouldn’t be possible without the support of our listeners, partners, and community. I am immensely proud of what Good Morning Angels has achieved, and this acknowledgment is a celebration of the difference we continue to make together.”

During the event, Steve Margo was asked to nominate a cause for Jacaranda FM to support, and he selected the Avela Foundation—an organisation that assists children with burn scars after suffering from scalding burns. In response, Good Morning Angels donated R105,000 to the foundation, providing laser treatment for children’s burn scars and supporting their families for three months.

The Avela Foundation, represented by Tebogo Buchanan during an emotional on-air segment, has been pivotal in supporting children recovering from burn injuries. In her heartfelt discussion on Breakfast with Martin Bester, Tebogo shared how she runs a weekly support group at Baragwanath Hospital’s Children’s Burns Unit and recently raised enough funds to purchase an additional laser machine, now in use at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Tebogo adds that this generous donation would significantly improve the lives of many children undergoing treatment.

Deirdre King’s Rotary Paul Harris Fellow recognition highlights Jacaranda FM’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, with Good Morning Angels continuing to uplift and inspire communities across South Africa since 2005.