The team spirit was tangible when Rand Aid took to the streets of Johannesburg in a blaze of green for the MTN Walk the Talk with 702 on July 23.
“All praise goes to every person who represented Rand Aid Association in the event,” said Ayanda Matthews, the general manager of the compliance and social react division, after the walk.
“The camaraderie, the team work and the group cohesion were unbelievable. The day was beautiful, the crowds were a sight to see and the South African spirit was evident in all the walkers,” added Ayanda.
The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the work done by Rand Aid to assist vulnerable senior citizens and people with substance abuse problems and to provide top-class lifestyles centres for people enjoying their retirement.
The walkers carried huge Rand Aid banners and the NPO’s profile was raised even more when Ayanda was interviewed on 702.
The 65 participants, comprising Rand Aid Association staff members, some family members, retirement village residents and Wayne Wilmot and staff from Sovereign Construction, not only raised awareness about Rand Aid but spread the message that active ageing promotes mental and physical well-being.
Founded in 1903, Rand Aid manages four retirement villages, two frail care centres, a treatment centre for people with substance abuse problems and a home for the deaf. Support services include Cookchill, the catering arm that prepares 35 500 meals a month; the stores; central workshops and the laundry that handles mountains of washing each day.
An in-house raffle was also held to raise funds for Thembalami care centre, Rand Aid’s complex that is home to many financial vulnerable people.
The winner was Joyce van Leeuwen from Thornhill Manor. The total kilometres walked was 419 and her guess was the closest, at 417km.
The walkers’ lunch was sponsored by Sovereign Construction.
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