Support fun run and work of local heroes
ON your marks . . . get set . . . make a difference in the lives of impoverished children and communities who will be the beneficiaries of the Daily Dispatch Fun Run this year.
The family event, now in its 37th year, offers races from 4km to 8km for children and adults along the scenic Esplanade with its spectacular ocean views.
This year, four Local Hero winners from 2015 will be the beneficiaries of proceeds generated by the run.
They are Joshua and Rachel Minter of uThixo uLungile Ministries; Pat Goosen of Madiba Sunrise Cerebral Palsy Home; Noxolo Ndzimela of Philsa Centre and Nonkosi Ntloko of New Start daycare.
Unlike previous years, no goodie bags will be distributed on registration as advertised in the newspaper.
Marketing manager Ryan Megaw said the first 4 000 entrants would still get their Daily Dispatch T-shirt at registration, as had been the case for the past 37 years. “This year Daily Dispatch has decided to forgo the goodie bag which is part of the traditional fun run registration pack,” Megaw said. “However, as this is the season of giving, we really want to make the fun run an event that is about bringing joy and hope to those who might not be getting as much during the festive season.
“We have chosen four of last year’s Local Hero winners who work with disadvantaged children from the community to be our event beneficiaries.
“In this way, we not only continue to grow our relationship with past winners, but it is also a great way to continue to shine much-needed light on the incredible work these selfless men and women do for the children of our city.”
He said each Local Hero would receive a R5 000 cheque for their organisations. A surprised Ndzimela, who runs a creche and after-care centre for children in Ncera, said she was grateful for the continued efforts made by the Daily Dispatch to support her community.
“This is unbelievable! We have not been forgotten and are being supported by the Dispatch.”
Ntloko said she would help make Christmas special for the children in her creche too.
“As much as we scrabble things together to make Christmas special, we have support from other people and churches. What I would like to do with these proceedings is fix the school’s infrastructure,” Ntloko said.
Registration for the fun run at the Orient Beach offices on Friday is from 10am to 6pm, and 9am to 12pm on Saturday. —