Putting a good foot forward for charity

ORGANISERS of the Wholesome Bread Cape Town Big Walk have hailed the event at the weekend a success, after thousands of people took part and raised more than R80 000.

After coming back from a sabbatical year, the Walk returned over the weekend and the event stayed true to its tradition of being successful.

In its 18th year, Sunday’s walk attracted more than 15 000 walkers from across the city and province. Chairperson of the Cape Town Big Walk, Dawood Esack said the event managed to raise R82 000 for their main beneficiary, Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

“When we announced how much money we were able to raise for the hospital, everybody was in awe. It was once again a great feeling being able to raise this money for the hospital,” Esack said.

Although there was a drop in walkers this year, Esack was confident they will improve in the years to come.

“Usually we have about 18 000 to 20 000 runners but after our sabbatical, we have less walkers. The event could not be hosted last year due to us not having a title sponsor.

“This year, however, Wholesome Bread came onboard as a title sponsor and they have committed to be the title sponsor for three years,” Esack said.

Esack added the event did its bit for water conservation as well and, instead of having the water-filled sachets along the route, each participant received a bottle of spring water.

Organiser Elias Parker said the event started in 2000 with only 750 walkers at the time and has since grown exponentially.

“We are very grateful to be able to do the fundraising for the Red Cross Childrens Hospital and to donate funding to the Academia Library which was launched during 2016,” Parker said.

Parker added: “We also want to thank Independent for coming on board and taking this event to the homes and hearts of people of Cape Town. Sunday’s event was a true refelction of what Cape Town is and was an amazing event to be a part of.”

The event started in Vlei Road, opposite Cape Town Stadium, and made its way along the scenic Sea Point promenade, and finished inside the Green Point Track.

As soon as walkers crossed the finish line to collect their medals, entertainment, food and prize giveaways took place at the Green Point track.

Esack said a formal handover ceremony will be done at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and a donation will be made to Academia Library.