School children enjoy great day out at Turffontein
Children get a taste of the Charity Mile.
Thirty students from Nageng Primary School, in Vosloorus, were treated to a fun day at Turffontein Racecourse, last Tuesday.
This was part of the build-up to this year’s Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.
Assisted by the Peermont Children’s Trust, Nageng Primary School is one of the 16 chosen charities which will win a share of R1-million when 16 horses take to the track on October 31.
The Peermont Children’s Trust supports ten schools in the Gauteng area through the provision of school uniforms every year, providing hot meals daily for all pupils, handing out food parcels for the school holidays, building jungle gyms and hosting an annual Christmas party.
The majority of these schools are in very underprivileged areas with many children being orphaned and malnourished.
The trust also assists with aftercare programmes and homework, enabling the pupils to improve their academic results and school attendance.
In fact, the Peermont Children’s Trust Aftercare Programme supports nine centres which cater for 22 primary schools in Gauteng.
The trust works very closely with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Education.
“This entire initiative is a great opportunity for our children,” said Moitheri Ratshitanga, trust manager of the Peermont Children’s Trust, who brings a different school to this event at Turffontein every year.
“For some of these children, it’s the first time that they can see and touch a real horse.
“But more importantly, this event exposes them to potential career opportunities that an industry like horse racing can offer.
“It’s an opportunity they would never have had.”
Pupils at the event enjoyed horse riding, a jumping castle and lunch, not to mention the chance to interact with some of SA’s top celebrities.
Actress, model and businesswoman Amanda du Pont, radio personality and DJ Alex Caige, comedian Trevor Gumbi and TV presenter and model K Naomi Noinyane were there to show their support for this event.
They are part of a group of 16 celebrities who will be matched with the 16 racehorses on the day.
“I am excited to be here for the third year in a row.
“The Charity Mile is a great initiative put together by Peermont, Emperors Palace and Racing. It’s a rush and hopefully it will make a difference for the charities and those they support,” Caige said.
Amanda du Pont has been involved in the Charity Mile for four years.
“This is a very glamourous event, but more importantly it raises much needed funds for these schools and children. Funds that can give them the opportunity to be what they want to be,” she said.
The winning charity will receive R150 000, second place will receive R100 000, with the remaining 14 charities receiving proportionate amounts of the total donation, based on the allocated horses’ placement.
For more information about the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile and the hospitality options available, call (011) 681-1702.
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