Hero's Name: Elna Schwartz

Accolade Type: Making a difference

Applauded for: Elna Schwartz

Nominated By: Tracy Mallett

Elna Schwartz is the regional manager of Avis Van Rental in George. She is also an enthusiastic runner. In 2016, Elna founded the Avis Van Rental Run2Raise, a running event that she hoped would benefit athletes with special needs in the George community. The event has grown in participation and also from an initial 3km and 10km run, to include a 21km route. Elna encouraged participation for the 2021 virtual event so that the beneficiaries could maintain their much-needed prosthetic upgrades. In conjunction with Mike Barkley of the Barkley Oats Foundation, funds were allocated to replace the knee part of young amputee and blade runner, Ronaldinho Davids' prosthetic leg. Elna is passionate about the community in which she lives and works and is always trying to uplift the lives of community members. Elna would be a worthy contender for the Local Heroes award.