Farrarmere residents and entrepreneurs Nolan Pillay (47) and his wife, Seema (46), are taking the phrase “couple goals” to a higher level, a Mount Kilimanjaro summit of 5 895m, to be exact.
The couple wishes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, in July, as part of the Trek-4-Mandela expedition in partnership with Imbumba Foundation (organising committee) which sees individuals summiting the mountain for charitable causes.
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Nolan and Seema will be part of a group raising funds for girls who are forced to stay home from school during their menstruation cycle because they are unable to afford sanitary pads. This is a core focus of the Imbumba Foundation under their Caring4Girls initiative.
The couple initially formed a team called Hike4Purpose with four other individuals.
Since then, some members have dropped off, leaving Seema and Nolan to complete their mission with teammate, Kabira Dewan from Alberton.
The climb will commence on July 13 with the couple aiming to reach the summit on Mandela Day, July 18.
“The idea to join the trek came about last year in October,” explained Nolan.
“The aim is to raise awareness around the plight suffered by girls, specifically in rural areas, who cannot afford sanitary pads.
“Girls are then forced to stay home from schools, and this can result in weeks, and sometimes months, of missed school work.
“We are therefore appealing to those who wish to sponsor us through corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives to help us achieve our goals.
The aim of the initiative is to be able to provide support to one million girls.
The cost to accomplish the feat is R85 000 per person, which consists of flight fees, climbing gear, training sessions, Kilimanjaro Park fees and other expenses.
Further to this, Hike4Purpose is aiming to raise the total sum of R600 000 before the summit, with the balance after trip expenses, to be donated to the Imbumba Foundation for the Caring4Girls initiative.
“The journey is also physically and mentally taxing,” the couple said.
“We require special training to ensure we are prepared to take on the challenge that lies ahead. We are determined to succeed.”
Seema, who draws her inspiration from regularly attending women’s networking functions, says she feels empowered to take on the challenge and “push herself to the limits”.
“When I first heard of stories of young girls missing school because of their menstruation cycle, I immediately felt I wanted to do more to get involved to help,” explained Seema.
“The thought of helping them is what inspires me to accomplish the summit.
“We need assistance to help us raise the funds needed so we will be able to make sure no girl misses school due to challenges faced during menstruation.
“The climb is also important for us as a couple to be able to accomplish goals together,”said Seema.
The couple does regular hikes and other fitness programmes as a means of preparation.
To assist with the cause contact Nolan on 062 556 7817 or Seema on 061 703 3750 or 072 210 0192 (WhatsApp only).
Alternatively, visit their website on www.hike4purpose.co.za for more information.
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