I CARE, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality’s Safer Cities and iTrump Unit, is daring 1000 people to spend one night on the streets of Durban on Friday 15 May.
I Care is a well known local NGO which has been involved in rehabilitating, reunifying and educating Durban's street children for more than 13 years. Through their efforts hundreds of children have been rescued from the streets and been given a future.
Gail Elson of I Care said the event was a bold initiative, a statement of solidarity by the people of Durban to create awareness and raise funds for the plight of the city's homeless people and street children. “I call on everyone who has the courage to come and participate in what will be a life changing event.”
Participants will have an opportunity to spend time and fellowship with the homeless people. There will be representatives from various organisations who will educate the homeless people about the various health and well-being services available to them and how they can access these.
Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for the event on the I Care website www.icare.co.za, send an email to iDare2Care@icare.co.za or call 072 196 9454 to find out more.
Once signed up, participants will receive a sponsor sheet which they can take to friends and family members who will dare them to sleep on the street for a financial contribution which will go towards I Care. Participants will then send a selfie to their sponsors on the night of the event, proving they completed the challenge.
The event will begin with registration at 5pm on Friday 15 May in front of Durban City Hall where participants will gather for a briefing.
From there, participants will be guided to zones which have been reserved on Dr Pixley Kaseme Street (formerly West Street). Every zone will be clearly marked and have zone leaders overseeing the safety and needs of participants. Metro Police will be on sight and available to participants.
The MayorJames Nxumalo, said that this was an opportune time for people to learn more about the plight being faced by the homeless community. “Last year we started the Qalakabusha Project, an initiative aimed at giving psycho-social assistance to the homeless people. This is a continuation of that project, where we are now coming closer to them to reach out and try to make a difference in their lives,” said Nxumalo.
Pastor Wayne Sandeman from His People Church said: “Nobody should have to sleep on our streets, especially children, we think this event will help peopleexperience first hand the plight of those less fortunate.”
Pastor Wayne said he will be taking his entire church to participate in this event and challenged other churches to do the same.
The event is only open for those over the age of 16.
