Runners line up to support Carel du Toit virtual 100km

Athletes are gathering to run in support of Carel du Toit Centre’s Hear to Run fundraiser.

Runners will use the “virtual” system created during the pandemic where the distance is covered in private or small groups, and the effort is recorded and submitted to race organisers online.

The respected non-profit centre has been hit hard by the pandemic, and has organised the virtual 100km run during deafness awareness month in September.

The centre assists preschool deaf children in the Eastern Cape with the natural acquisition of language and speech, through maximum use of technology and provision of parental guidance and support.

The goal is to assist the children to speak in the hearing world.

Principal Paula Kumm said: “The main purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness about our school and to raise funds, as we were badly affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.”

She said they were hoping runners and their supporters would donate R1 for each kilometre run. The target is R20,000.

These funds would be spent on maintenance and buying equipment for the staff and pupils.

“It was quite challenging during lockdown, as the parents usually attended the lessons with their children. Some parents were struggling with the online learning and being able to understand their children, but we made sure we assisted where we could,” she said.

So far 60 runners are participating, including the Gonubie Harriers Runners Club. Club chair Mandy Hatton said 10 of their runners had committed to the event.

“This is a great way to bring about awareness to deafness and hearing problems. We also wanted to have our runners motivated and committed to something, as with all races being cancelled, staying motivated can be quite tough. This was an excellent way to provide motivation, commitment and support a cause.”

“We have no set target for funding as we feel that we don’t want to put a benchmark on it, but rather that more people are aware of this NPO and want to donate. If anyone would like to take part, they can find Hear to Run on Strava and log their kilometres,” Hatton said.

Runner and sub editor at the Daily Dispatch Tim Stones, who is participating in the fundraiser, said: “I am grateful to have had the upbringing I had, and the incredible support from a young age, as a deaf person, to learn to use my voice.”

He said the centre played a pivotal role in providing deaf children with the opportunity to acquire a skill that opened up a world full of possibility.

Some parents were struggling with the online learning and being able to understand their children, but we made sure we assisted where we could