5fm’s Mark Gillman is the face – and voice – of the SAPS national teddy bear collection campaign. And he’s got pupils throughout South Africa to become Gilly the Kid’s deputies.
Gilly the Kid’s deputies encourage people under 16 to commit themselves to making South Africa a better place for young people.
Teenagers are asked to comment on a variety of issues, or given the opportunity to say what they would do if they were president or what they would do to improve schools.
Listeners warmed up to him and also opened their hearts during the Teddy Bear Patrol to collect cuddly toys that police use to distribute to children who are victims of domestic violence. “I have the vehicle to make South Africans take note and listen, and hopefully most if not more of the same people that donated teddy’s last year, will realise how far it reached. It was fantastic to have kids all over the country collecting bears at their schools for our patrol,” said Gillman.
Last month the chirpy breakfast show host launched his website www.gillman.co.za
Tune in to Mark on 5fm every weekday morning from 6am to 9am.
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, July 2001.