There was nothing small about Big Al including his wish for Nicola and James.

Dream Big

Artwork by Nicola Mc Donald

Support Nicola Mc Donald’s Educational Journey

Support Nicola Mc Donald’s Educational Journey

There was nothing
small about Big Al

including his wish for Nicola and James.

Dream Big

Artwork by Nicola Mc Donald

Celebrate Nicola's Achievements

Nicola Mc Donald is not just a name but a story of resilience, achievement, and unwavering determination. Despite the barriers that life has recently thrown her way, including the loss of her dad, “Big Al,” who always encouraged her to “Dream Big,” Nicola matriculated with seven distinctions which were written during the trauma of Al being high-jacked and in hospital.

Help Nicola Pursue Further Education

In January of this year, Nicola sat down with Les and Al, presenting a heartfelt motivation to pursue her dream of studying in the Netherlands.

The next chapter of Nicola's journey is hopefully going to unfold at Utrecht University, Netherlands

Thanks to a 25% bursary, Nicola is so close to turning her dreams into reality but still needs our collective help to bridge the remaining financial gap. Payments need to be made in the first week of June, and classes start in August this year.

Congratulations

This is to inform you that you will receive a scholarship for the duration of three years, starting in Fall 2025, provided you enrol at Utrecht University for the programme in Liberal Arts and Sciences offered by University College Utrecht.

Nicola's Vision, In Her Own Words

Inspired by my mother’s artistry and my father’s indomitable belief in ‘Dreaming Big,’ my childhood was painted with vibrant shades of ambition and possibility. My aspiration to explore and grow beyond familiar horizons is a tribute to the foundation they’ve laid for me – a legacy enriched by the support and kindness of each of you. As I embark on this journey, I carry with me not just their dreams, but the collective hope and support of everyone who believes in me.

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Read Nicola’s Motivation

"My dad nurtured my ambitions, ensuring they grew without limits, and stood behind every dream I dared to chase, instilling in me the confidence to believe in myself."

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Your support is more than just financial aid; it is a gesture of profound kindness towards Nicola.

At Alistair’s memorial, a common thread wove through countless stories shared – his wild, often hilariously unpredictable antics. Yet, amidst the laughter, was Alistair’s inherent nature to help others, in such a discreet manner that he didn’t boast or shout about it.

In these challenging times, as Les, Nicola, and James navigate through waves of grief and a myriad of challenges, your support offers hope and gratitude, celebrating the spirit of Alistair.

How You Can Help

Donate

Your donation, no matter the size, directly contributes to Nicola’s educational aspirations. Use our provided bank details for direct transfers and become a part of Nicola’s journey to success.

Donate Now

Job Opportunities

We’re also on the lookout for job placements for Nicola, allowing her to work towards her own financial stability before hopefully commencing her studies.

Portraits for Support

Nicola is putting her artistic talents to work by offering custom portraits! If you’d like to commission a portrait, send an email to nicola.mcd17@gmail.com for pricing and enquiries.

Join the Cause

We’re excited to announce an upcoming golf fundraiser event dedicated to supporting Nicola Mc Donald’s educational aspirations.

Golf Day Details

  • Date: 27th June 2025
  • Venue: Glendower Golf Club
  • Address: 20 Marais Road Dowerglen
  • Cost: R6000/ 4-ball
Book Now

Includes

  • Round of golf
  • Golf cart
  • Halfway House
  • Prize-giving Dinner

Opportunities

Hole Sponsorships
Prize Sponsorships

Contact

Les Mc Donald
0828564648
lesmcd1@gmail.com

Fed stories of global travels from my mother, I developed a passion to see the world and its culture fueling my desire to discover every corner of this beautiful earth.

Banking Details

 
Capitec
Dream Big – Nicola Mc Donald
Account: 2390703840
Branch: 470010
SWIFT code: CABLZAJJ

Nicola’s Motivation

I have had three deep passions for as long as I can remember… art, science and the desire to see the world. Along with these interests came a deeply instilled belief that I will thrive in whatever path I take. I believe my two biggest role models – my mom and dad – are the reason for this.

The way my mother brought me up fostered these three interests. She is an abstract artist who creates meaningful and expressive pieces and these artworks have been a constant inspiration to me. As I grew up, she always encouraged me to create freely and express myself through my art, never dampening my creative spirit. In this way the creation and appreciation of art has become deeply rooted within me.

She also ensured that I never grew up stuck in front of a screen, confined to learning from mindless television. I was raised to play outdoors and to learn as much as I could about the nature that surrounded me. I was prompted to play in the sun, rain, mud and snow (although this was rare in South Africa). This connection to nature sparked my curiosity about the natural world, cultivating my interest in science.

Finally, a passion to see the world and its culture was instilled in me – every night I was fed stories of my mother’s travels around the globe. She spoke about the Kibbutz in Israel, the Greek islands, German festivals… and each story was a unique life experience that has shaped her character and fuelled my desire to have similar experiences. I feel that I cannot possibly live and learn in the same city I have grown up – this would be a disservice to the little girl in me who wants to discover every corner of this beautiful earth.

While my mother nurtured my creativity and curiosity, my father reinforced my confidence. As my passions blossomed, so too did my ambitions—but rather than trimming them back, my dad nurtured them, ensuring they grew without limits. He was my unwavering pillar of support, standing behind every dream I dared to chase. Whether it was rowing for South Africa, striving for seven matric distinctions, or, more recently, dreaming of studying abroad, he never once doubted me. He didn’t just believe in me—he made me believe in myself.

Now that he’s gone, the path he encouraged me to walk feels lonelier, and much farther out of reach. But I know—deep in my heart—that giving up would be the last thing he ever wanted for me. So, this campaign is not just for me; it’s for him. For the father who was my constant cheerleader, stood beside me, pushed me forward, and reminded me that my dreams were always worth fighting for.

The impact of these two role models has led me to apply for the Liberal Arts and Sciences program at Utrecht University. It is one of the few programs I’ve found that integrates my diverse interests. I am not willing to abandon any of these passions, and this program offers the flexibility to explore each of them. With my strong academic foundation in art and life sciences, I believe Utrecht’s interdisciplinary approach will allow me to deepen my understanding and pursue a career that aligns with my passions and talents.

Not only do my interests align with this program but my character does too. I have always been extremely self-motivated which has allowed me to set difficult goals for myself and work towards achieving them. I hold myself to a high academic standard and do not allow myself to hand in work that does not reflect my best efforts. This determination and drive will allow me to flourish in Utrecht’s intense learning environment.

I know that the path I am striving for may not be easy—or even possible—but I will fight for my dreams, no matter how distant they seem. My passions for art, science, and exploration have shaped the person I am today, and I refuse to let go of any of them. Utrecht University’s Liberal Arts and Sciences program represents an opportunity to embrace all aspects of myself, to grow in a diverse and stimulating environment, and to build a future that reflects the dreams I have carried since childhood.

My dad never let me doubt myself, and though he is no longer here, I carry his belief in me forward. His unwavering support taught me that setbacks are not endings—they are just challenges to overcome. No matter how uncertain the road ahead may be, I will continue to push forward with the same determination and resilience he always encouraged in me.