From professional photographers to enthusiastic amateurs and those who simply feel strongly about a deserving cause, hundreds of people have come out in support of the Picture the Change campaign, an initiative designed to give exposure to worthy charities.

The competition – a collaborative CSI project by ourselves and BoE Private Clients – calls on entrants to submit photos they have found or taken depicting change or the need for it. Winning images will earn a million rand in media space in for the entrants’ chosen causes in RamsayMedia’s brands.

"The response has been phenomenal – people have really taken this initiative to heart," commented Simon Turck, RamsayMedia group sales manager and the man behind the campaign. "The quality of images we’ve received is exceptional, but what’s even more heartening is the range of worthy recipients put forward. Environmental agencies; animal rights groups; Aids, literacy and child protection NGOs; feeding schemes and upliftment programmes are among the many prospective beneficiaries."

The response persuaded the organisers to extend the deadline to 31 March to give as many charities as possible to opportunity to benefit, he said.

Entrants in either the public or media (marketing, media and advertising) categories are invited to upload their images on Facebook at the www.picturethechange.co.za before next week’s closing date. Winners will themselves earn a SANParks-sponsored four-night stay in any one of its 21 parks as well Canon photographic equipment.

Approximately 100 finalists covering a broad range of causes will be chosen and showcased at a Picture the Change party to be held next month. The winners will be notified ahead of the party and must be present at the announcement to claim their prizes.

Full details of the competition are available at www.picturethechange.co.za