Page 8 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 9 2024

HOME FRONT

Raffaella Carnicelli,
Susan Harwood,
and Pernille Martin
- directors of Better
Fourways - working
together to uplift
their community.

RAFFAELLA CARNICELLI

TURNING PASSION INTO PURPOSE FOR A BETTER FOURWAYS

ational Women’s Day in August spaces. The group has tackled litter, sustainable approach. Entirely volunteer-
inspired us to continue spotlighting overgrowth, and graffiti, steadily bringing driven, the organisation relies on community
remarkable women making lasting pride and care back to the area. Raffaella support, with no one taking a salary.
Nimpacts in their communities. One hopes this work inspires the residents’ “We do this because we believe in taking
such woman is Raffaella Carnicelli, a long- sense of responsibility and belonging. responsibility for the spaces we live in,”
time Fourways resident who, after stepping “When people see their neighbourhood Raffaella says. “It’s our neighbourhood, and
back from her entrepreneurial career, improving, they feel better. It changes we all have a part to play.”
found renewed purpose in improving the the way we view our environment and
community she loves. Co-founding Better ourselves,” she reflects. The initiative also provides employment
Fourways was driven by a deeply personal opportunities to those facing difficult times,
mission to give back to the place she calls Raffaella is supported by two remarkable helping build a more robust and more
home and to revitalise a suburb that had women: Susan Harwood and Pernille supported community. Local businesses
begun to show signs of neglect. Martin. Susan, known for her work with have also stepped in, recognising the
Bags of Love, brings a humanitarian benefits of a revitalised Fourways for
For Raffaella, Better Fourways reflects touch, ensuring that vulnerable community everyone involved.
her personal beliefs and values. “I’ve members receive support during clean-up
always believed in taking pride in your efforts. Her businesswoman, photographer, Raffaella’s vision is clear: Better
surroundings,” she explains. “The state of and copywriter background helps her Fourways is laying the foundation for
our environment affects us all—our mental balance compassion with action. Susan lasting improvements in the suburb.
well-being, safety, and how we feel about sees Better Fourways as an opportunity “We’re building something that future
the place we live in. I couldn’t just watch as to restore dignity to people and their living generations can appreciate,” she says. “It’s
Fourways fell into decline; I knew I had to do spaces. about taking pride in our community and
something.” showing people we can make a difference
While busy with her full-time work, Pernille together.”
Raffaella’s belief in the power of community Martin, a practising architect, plays a
and individual responsibility motivates crucial role as one of the directors. She The contributions of women like Raffaella
everything she does with Better Fourways. and her husband, Stuart, are also essential Carnicelli, Susan Harwood, and Pernille
She’s a firm believer that actions speak sponsors of the initiative. Martin show how dedication and vision
louder than words. “We have a responsibility can lead to meaningful change in their
to be the change we want to see,” she says, What makes Better Fourways thrive is its community.
echoing the core ethos of Better Fourways.
C ON T A C T U S
When Raffaella returned from overseas, the
decline in Fourways pushed her to act. She For those who want to support Better Fourways,
had spent years building her career and contributions are always appreciated. Residents
raising her family, but seeing the state of can donate R130 a month, while businesses are
the neighbourhood, she knew she wanted to encouraged to contribute R1000. Every contribution
contribute meaningfully. “I’ve always been goes directly towards improving the suburb of
very aware of my surroundings. Seeing the Fourways, with finances carefully audited to ensure
litter and neglect—it broke my heart. I didn’t transparency.
want to sit back. I wanted to do something
to make a real difference for the entire To learn more or to contribute, visit
community.” www.betterfourways.org.za,
This drive led to Better Fourways, an email info@betterfourways.org.za, or
initiative to reclaim and restore public follow @betterfourways on social media.

8 DPL issue 9 2024