The name Carmelo means ‘garden, orchard or vineyard’, so it seems fitting that Carmelo Pizzino, celebrity dancer and charitarian should, launch ‘Candle of Hope’ in a Tasmanian winery.
Carmelo is a frequent visitor to Tasmania and calls it, particularly Launceston, his second home, having made many friends here.
Carmelo is best known to the public as the dancer with especial expertise in Latin American dance on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. At 14 years of age he spent 10 years in London and travelling the world until 2004 he took up the post with Dancing with the Stars.
When I spoke to him Carmelo he was happy to announce that the popular program will be back on our screens in the second half of the year.
It isn’t all dancing for Carmelo. He realised he wanted to do more by investing his celebrity status for the good of a charity. It was Mind to Body founder and candle maker Renna Danelutti who suggested he support a project that aimed to help homeless women and those suffering from abuse, and so he found himself becoming part of Mission Australia’s Women’s Services. Renna’s ‘light for hope’ candles are a symbol of the campaign.
Carmelo is the perfect candidate for the position of spokesman for this charity as over the years his close relationship partnering women in dance informed him of the issues that were affecting them. As Carmelo helped women gain confidence through dance he now wants to help woman gain confidence in rebuilding their lives when affected by issues such as homelessness and abuse and the social isolation that might bring …
Mission Australia has a vision ‘to see a fairer Australia by enabling people in need to find pathways to a better life’.
Mission Australia assists Australians by giving them the essential skills to navigate life and to give them hope for the future. The organisation works with families, the homeless, youth and also helps provide ‘safe and secure’ accommodation for women as well as helping them become strong and confident in rebuilding their lives.
A percentage of the money from the candles will go to Mission Australia’s work. The candles have a beautiful scent and are made from totally organic product with a special bonus,the candles also triple as body lotion and for massage.
You can purchase the ‘Light for Hope’ candle online at www.mindtobody.com.au or call 1300 686 223.
A launch will take place in Sydney and in Tasmania.
You can see the Tasmanian launch with Carmelo at Josef Chromy Wines, Relbia 12th June at 7pm, ph: 6335 8700.
You can also read more about Mission Australia at www.missionaustralia.com.au
Paula Xiberras
