Schoemans recently took part in the “Potjie with Purpose” competition, hosted by Side by Side Early Intervention Centre, under the inspiring slogan “Stirring Awareness, Serving Inclusion.” The event brought together teams from across the community to cook, compete, and most importantly — raise awareness for children living with disabilities.
Meet the Myelin Mavericks
Schoemans was represented by powerhouse of four staff members — The Myelin Mavericks. With matching smiles and aprons, they cooked, competed, and connected, proving that awareness can be both impactful and fun.
“Poitjie with a Purpose” wasn’t just about delicious food; it was about empathy, understanding, and giving back. Each team was assigned a disability to represent — and The Myelin Mavericks proudly stood for Leukodystrophy.
Understanding Leukodystrophy
Leukodystrophy is a group of rare disorders that affects the brain’s white matter known as myelin. When myelin breaks down or fails to develop properly, it disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to difficulties in movement, speech, and coordination.
Fun Activities
To help others grasp what living with leukodystrophy feels like, the Myelin Mavericks designed interactive games that allowed participants to experience some of those everyday challenges firsthand. It was an eye-opening and emotional moment for many — sparking empathy and meaningful conversations.
Cooking with Purpose
Culinary magic on display. The Myelin Mavericks wowed the judges and visitors with their rich, hearty oxtail poitjie and a soft flavorful side bread, both prepared with love, laughter, and teamwork. Their cooking station became a gathering point for delicious aromas and inspiring stories alike.
A Heartfelt Contribution
The Myelin Mavericks made a donation to Cecilia Kamati, a young girl with leukodystrophy. Cecilia also had a brother who sadly passed away from the same condition. The donation was made to help her with medical expenses and transportation to the hospital.
Tragically, just a few days after the competition, Cecilia passed away. The funds raised during the event will be used to cover funeral expenses.
Team Spirit and Inclusion
Through teamwork and enthusiasm, the Myelin Mavericks beamed with pride securing a second-place win overall! The day ended with smiles all around and a shared sense of purpose.
