In what has become a traditional build-up to the annual Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile, 30 students from Reahile Primary Aftercare Centre in Katlehong were recently treated to a fun day at Turffontein Racecourse.
Assisted by the Peermont Children’s Trust, Reahile Primary Aftercare Centre is one of the 16 chosen charities that will win a share of R1-million when one of Gauteng’s most popular race days comes to Turffontein on November 5.
The Peermont Children’s Trust supports nine aftercare centres in the Gauteng area through the provision of school uniforms every year, providing daily hot meals for all pupils, handing out food parcels for the school holidays, the building of jungle gyms, and the hosting of 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 that cater for 22 primary schools in Gauteng.
The trust works very closely with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Education.
The aftercare programme hosted at Reahile Primary School feeds five primary schools in the Katlehong area.
The programme provides nutrition, adult and trained supervision of classes, an opportunity and space to do homework and a safe environment for the beneficiaries, of which there are 108 this year alone.
Horse riding, a jumping castle, face painting and a delicious lunch were enjoyed by the pupils who were also able to meet actress, model and businesswoman Amanda du Pont who was there to show her support for the event.
She is once again one of the 16 celebrities who will be matched with the 16 racehorses on the day.
“My purpose is to spread love to wherever I can reach, to instil hope to those who have lost it.
“Being a part of the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile ever year fulfils my heart as it benefits underprivileged schools and aftercare centres which are in need of proper learning facilities, uniforms and infrastructure.
“Knowledge is power, the youth need this to be able to break the chains of poverty,” said du Pont, who is the celebrity paired with Reahile Primary Aftercare Centre, this year.
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.
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