Runners support NPO’s classroom fund-raiser

Shine, an NPO that offers literacy programmes to grades two and three learners at Goede Hoop Primary School in Reiger Park, recently held a fund-raising drive called The Shine 6x4x48 Challenge, which took place in the form of a 72km marathon.

According to the director of Shine, Michael Zietsman, they initiated the fund-raising drive to enable them to buy a container classroom to help more learners.

He explained they ran 6km every four hours, which totalled 48 hours. “We covered a total of 72km from March 25 to March 27.

Also Read: B Unique raises R14 800 for cancer survivor

“We currently have two container classrooms that accommodate 150 learners, but our main aim is to increase the number of learners we teach to 260. The only chance of doing this is if we add another container classroom.

“We are not only fund-raising, but we are also taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the issues in schools, such as overcrowding in classrooms, learners smoking and using drugs and most schools lacking teaching resources,” said Zietsman.

He added they formed the NPO to give children from poverty-stricken areas a fair chance of competing in the academic sector.

“Macsteel, which has been funding our organisation for many years, also participated in the fund-raising drive. “Our drive was successful. We made more than R200 000. The actual total is still being finalised.”

Thandi Bunsani, the group corporate social responsibility administrator at Macsteel, supported the run with 49 other employees.

She said they showed their support because Shine does a great job in the community. “We have been funding Shine for a long time and we are proud of the work they do.

“So, when they informed us they were embarking on a fund-raising drive, we hopped onboard and became part of it. It was a lovely experience, and we are looking forward to the next one,” said Bunsani.

Also Read: Raise funds for your favourite charity this Mandela Day