GEORGE NEWS - A group of young girls with life-threatening illnesses recently got to walk the red carpet and being crowned as queens. 

The treat was part of the Queen For A Day project that aims to uplift young girls who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses from a psycho-social perspective.

Miss Planet International, George's own Monique Best, was approached by the project organisers to help treat the girls like queens. She taught them how to model on a red carpet, and crowned each one as they walked up to her.

The project was hosted by the Reach for a Dream Foundation in Sandton, Johannesburg, where Best attended the royal occasion to act as a role model for the girls.

Gauteng regional manager Chloe Mpinga said it's an opportunity to take the girls out of hospital to a place where they are free to have fun and socialise.

"We also shower each girl with positive attention to create positive memories that will assist them through treatment. We use this project to raise the confidence and self-esteem of girls who may feel embarrassed by their appearance as a result of their illness and/or treatment."

For Best this was a very special experience. She said the girls were pampered and spoiled rotten at the hotel in Sandton. "I got to know them a bit. They got to forget about everything and just laugh a little."

The Miss Planet International event that was scheduled to take place in Cambodia in May has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This means Best will wear the crown a little longer.

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