Who We Are
The Avela Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to help children with burn injuries on their road to physical and psychological recovery. Our foundation was inspired by a brave young girl who showed tremendous courage in the face of adversity.
Children are magnificent, vibrant, and full of life. Sometimes life doesn’t treat them kindly and that’s when we come in – by giving them hope through love and support.
Cami Palomo | Founder / Philanthropist
Cami began volunteering with burn survivors in 2012, for what she thought would be three months only. Seven years later, Cami is still there. That’s where she met Avela who inspired the creation of the Avela Foundation.
Mosidi Modise | Trustee
Mosidi works in the investment management industry, is highly entrepreneurial and passionate about doing good for humanity.
Roger-Michael Raad | Trustee
Roger-Michael is the Director of Known Design Co. based in Cape Town. He is also passionate about raising awareness for local burn survivors and helping to raise funds for the Avela Foundation to benefit and support the children in need.
Renette Pretorious | Head of Fundraising
After meeting Cami in 2012, Renette fell in love with the Avela Foundation. She dedicates her time and passion in raising funds for many worthy causes.
Dr Kamlen Pillay | Medical Advisor
Dr Kam is a specialist Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgeon. He has vast surgical experience in the disciplines of Orthopaedics, General & Plastic Surgery.
Lindiwe Suttle | Ambassador
Singer, songwriter and writer who loves children and has a passion to help create positive change in their lives. She lives between Berlin and Cape Town.
Lizma van Zyl | Media Liaison and PR
Respected journalist, radio presenter and animal lover who also volunteers as an ambassador for the Avela Foundation. Helping to raise awareness.
Tebogo Tsotetsi | Ambassador
Tebogo is passionate about raising awareness for burn survivors. She is also part of the Umatter burn support network in South Africa.
Natasha Nicolakakis | Ambassador
Natasha works in Venture Capital as Business Development Manager and loves being involved in philanthropy, raising awareness and raising funds
DID YOU
KNOW?
68% of South African children younger than 14 years have experienced scalding burn injuries.