Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charities Announced

•

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the six official charities that will be part of its official Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive for the upcoming three-year cycle.

The selected charities are focused on various facets of social and environmental upliftment, from early childhood development and social welfare to care for the aged; sustainable development of the green economy, marine and coastal conservation; as well as childhood cancer care and HIV/ Aids support.

These charitable organisations will benefit from the CMA’s fundraising initiatives over the next three editions of the world-famous ultramarathon, being the 2021, 2022 and 2023 races.

The chosen charities are:

• Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC)

• Community Chest of Durban and Pietermaritzburg

Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust (HACT)

• Hospice Association KwaZulu-Natal

• Wildlands Conservation Trust; and

• Rise Against Hunger Africa being the new kid on the block. Childhood Cancer Association: https://choc.org.za/

CHOC is made up of caring, committed and passionate people who stand up for, and support the well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. They strive to save lives through early detection and making the journey of those who are affected by childhood cancer, less burdensome through the comprehensive support programmes which they offer.

The Community Chest: http:// www.communitychest.org.za/

The Durban, Pietermaritzburg & District Community Chest focuses on 4 key social issues that colour the South African socio-political landscape. These are Education, Health, Stable Income-Generation and Community. They aim to enhance communities and restore hope through facilitating corporate giving, investment and community participation.

Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust: https://www.hillaids.org.za/

HACT was founded in 1990 and provides unconditional love and hope to all those impacted by HIV/AIDS. They comprehensively assess the status and needs of everyone who approaches them for help and provide holistic care for people living with HIV/AIDS. They economically empower people living with HIV/AIDS and provide HIV/AIDS education and awareness. They also care for at-risk groups– such as orphaned and vulnerable children.

Hospice Association KwaZulu-Natal: https://kznhospiceassociation.com/

Hospice KZN aims to promote quality in life, dignity in death and support in bereavement for all living with a life-threatening illness. They provide care to thousands of South Africans each year and provide holistic medical and psychological support to their patients and their families.

Wildlands Conservation Trust: http://wildtrust.co.za/wildlands/

Wildlands has networks in 60 communities, transforming the lives of thousands of South Africans and improving their livelihoods through innovative sustainable programmes. Their Wildlands programme is structured around Wildlife Economy, Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Communities’ interventions. With a core focus on inclusive growth, the Wildlands programme is improving the lives of thousands of South Africans whilst restoring and conserving the natural environment that supports them.

Rise Against Hunger Africa: https://rahafrica.org/

Rise Against Hunger is an

International organisation which was established in the USA in 1998 and started in South Africa in 2009. RAH coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid worldwide. It is a volunteer-based meal packaging and results oriented nutrition programme that currently has four full-time operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and East London. RAH’s vision is an Africa without hunger with a mission of transformation through education; educating their donors, beneficiaries, volunteers and suppliers about the role they play in eradicating child hunger.

CMA Charities & CSI Convenor, Pat Freeman, thanked all 32 charity organisations which submitted applications to be considered as an official Amabeadibeadi

Charity.

Freeman added, “The commitment, effort and worthiness of the selfless work done by these organisations made the task of singling out 6 charities all the more difficult. It is heart-warming to see just how much is achieved by these NGO’s and we commend them on their contributions to society.”

Freeman has also issued a huge vote of thanks to Comrades Marathon runners, supporters, sponsors and the public at large for their goodwill and generosity in contributing to the Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive over the past 24 years, with more than R60-million having been raised for charity since its inception.