Avery Young: The Inspiring Face of Casual Day 2025 “Beyond the Label” Campaign

Meet Avery Young—A Bright Light with Big Dreams

Eight-year-old Avery Young embodies the very essence of what Casual Day 2025 represents. With her infectious smile and boundless determination, this remarkable young girl has become one of the most beloved faces of this year’s “Beyond the Label” campaign, capturing hearts across the nation through the official Casual Day television advertisement.

Diagnosed with spastic diplegia at birth, Avery Young’s journey has been one of extraordinary resilience and joy. Currently flourishing in Grade 3 at Hope School, she continues to thrive in a nurturing environment that recognises her unique talents and celebrates her achievements. Her academic excellence, particularly her award-winning reading skills and keen interest in mathematics, demonstrates that labels simply cannot define a person’s potential.

The Spark That Defines “Beyond the Label”

Avery Young’s radiant personality perfectly encapsulates this year’s Casual Day theme. “Beyond the Label” challenges society to look past disabilities and see the incredible persons behind them. When Avery enters a room, her joy is infectious, her laughter contagious, and her determination inspiring. Avery stands in for the thousands of children in South Africa who yearn for recognition and value for their true selves.

The impact of Casual Day extends far beyond assistive devices, employment programmes, and empowerment initiatives. At its heart, it’s about putting smiles on faces like Avery’s—ensuring that every child feels valued, seen, and celebrated by society.

From TV Star to Photoshoot Success

Avery Young’s journey with Casual Day began when she was selected as the lead for the official Casual Day 2025 television advertisement. The TV ad shoot took place at the NCPD Head Office in Edenvale, Johannesburg, on 29th April 2025, where friends, staff members, and volunteers came together to rally behind this worthy cause. Avery’s natural charisma and joyful spirit made her the perfect ambassador for the campaign, capturing the hearts of everyone involved in the production.

 

A Day to Remember: The Hope School Photoshoot

June 19, 2025, marked another notable milestone in Avery’s journey. From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Hope School transformed into a professional photography studio, where Avery and her fellow pupils experienced the magic of being in front of the cameras. The photoshoot was nothing short of spectacular—children posing with confidence, sharing laughter, and basking in the joy of being celebrated.

Avery Young and friends put their best feet forward.

For Avery Young, whose dreams include becoming a ballerina and model, these experiences were significant. Watching her pose naturally, her eyes sparkling with excitement reminded everyone present why Casual Day matters so profoundly. These moments of recognition and celebration create lasting memories that boost self-esteem and reinforce the message that every child deserves to shine.

Avery Young with fellow pupils from Hope School

Beyond Academic Excellence: A Creative Soul

Avery Young’s talents extend far beyond the classroom. She expresses herself through singing, painting, and spending time outdoors. Her greatest passion currently is modern dancing—a program she participates in at Hope School with absolute enthusiasm. Every movement tells a story of determination, every step a testament to her unwavering spirit.

Her ultimate dream? To dance freely as a ballerina with grace, confidence, and joy. With consistent therapy, unwavering support, and abundant love, this dream is entirely within reach.

A Mother’s Perspective: The Confidence Boost

Leonora Young, Avery’s devoted mother, has witnessed firsthand the profound effects of this Casual Day involvement. “Being part of the ‘Beyond the Label’ campaign has brought out a passion in Avery that I’ve never seen before,” she shares with evident pride. “Her confidence has always been strong, but this experience has elevated it to new heights. Watching her interact with the cameras and seeing her light up when she talks about the photoshoot has shown her that her dreams of modelling and dancing aren’t just wishful thinking; they’re real possibilities. Casual Day has given her a platform to shine, and as a mother, that means everything to me.”

The Deeper Impact: Human Touch and Recognition

When measuring Casual Day’s success, we must remember the smiles, the joy, and the profound human touch of recognition. Nelson Mandela once said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Avery Young’s story reminds us that actual societal progress is measured not just in programmes and policies but in the happiness and dignity we afford every child.

Join the Movement: Your Support Makes a Difference

Take Action Today:

• Purchase a Casual Day sticker – Every sticker represents hope, inclusion, and recognition for children like Avery
• Wear Casual Day merchandise – Show your support and spark conversations about disability awareness
• Participate in Casual Day—Join thousands of South Africans in making a tangible difference

Your sticker purchase directly funds programmes that help children like Avery Young access education, therapy, and opportunities to pursue their dreams. When you wear your Casual Day merchandise, you become an ambassador for inclusion, helping to shift societal perceptions and create a world where every child can flourish.

Remember Avery Young’s smile. Remember her dreams. Remember that beyond every label lies a remarkable human being waiting to shine.