Making it three in a row, Paarl School in Brackenfell has once again claimed the top spot as the Western Cape’s leading Casual Day sticker seller with an outstanding 10 508 stickers during the 2025 campaign.

Together with the support of the broader community, the school raised a remarkable R210 000 in aid of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and Paarl School itself.

Spearheaded by the NCPD, Casual Day is South Africa’s foremost annual fundraising and awareness campaign for persons with disabilities, held every year on the first Friday of September. It invites South Africans to dress up or down according to an annual theme and wear an official sticker, bought for all of R20, to show of solidarity.

“Casual Day means an incredible amount to Paarl School and our learners with disabilities. For more than 20 years, this initiative has remained one of the school’s most important annual fundraising and awareness campaigns,” says Elizbè van der Colff of the Paarl School Development Foundation (PSDF).

The campaign advocates for accessibility, equal rights, and the full inclusion of the more than 3.3 million South Africans living with disabilities, with proceeds directed towards special schools and non-profit organisations. Since its launch in 1994, the initiative has raised well over half a billion rand , funding essential services, assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, skills development programmes, and accessible housing for those who need it most.

Significant impact

Paarl School’s Casual Day project is administered by the PSDF and is made possible through the collaboration between the NCPD, the PSDF, Paarl School, local businesses, schools, and the broader community.

The school expressed its gratitude for the love and support shown by the community, in a time during which many South Africans are facing financial pressure.

“Every sticker purchased is a sign that people care about our learners and believe in the work we do. We would like to thank the NCPD for the opportunity to partner in this meaningful initiative, as well as every individual, business, and school who supported Paarl School. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of our learners,” says van der Colff.

The financial impact of Casual Day is also significant.

“Funds raised are managed responsibly by the PSDF and are used to improve the school environment the school’s learners. Last year’s funds contributed towards important repairs and upgrades to the school grounds and buildings, helping to create a safer and more welcoming space for all.”

Casual day will again be celebrated again on Friday 4 September, and this year it is all about rhythm with the theme “Beat as One, Rhythm Matters”.

It is meant to be a celebration of unity with the idea that every person’s unique rhythm contributes to something bigger. Think of it as the heartbeat of a nation moving together.

The public are encouraged to join Paarl School with this year’s campaign by ordering their stickers from Martie Wilmot at ontwikkeling@paarlskool.org.za.