TYC fundraiser event postponed

The Tsohang Youth Centre (TYC) fundraiser event was postponed to October 28 following low ticket sales.

The event was planned for April 27, simultaneously with the birthday celebration of the founder of TYC Moses Gama.

Despite the postponement of the highly anticipated fundraiser, Gama continued with preparations for his 43rd birthday at Huntersfield Stadium.

Gama donated new and pre-loved clothes to youngsters who are battling drug abuse.

He said he was fortunate to celebrate his birthday on the day declared Freedom Day.

Although it is his special day, he shares it with people fighting drug addiction by donating basic needs like toiletries, clothes and shoes, every year.

“I urge people to share the little they have and those who donated to continue,” said Gama.

He also urged the public to consider ‘adopting’ some youngsters by providing them with food or taking them for lunch or breakfast. It will go a long way in helping them.

“Eventually, they will see that you are helping them and they will have someone to talk to when they need help. Then you can refer them to us.

“More than anything, the most impactful one is to help us by contributing and donating so that we can build a rehab.

“We must not only give them cake and clothes. The most impactful thing is rehabilitation in line with a call for adequate resources, inpatient treatment centres, halfway houses and aftercare programs,” said Gama.

Fundraiser postponed

Gama said unfortunately things did not go their way, citing that the community is still not open to doing things for themselves. People are oppressed in such a way that they are dependent.

“The ticket sales did not do well. We decided to reschedule the draw for another day but allow the Department of Sport, Art and Culture to continue with other programmes.

“Our purpose is to fundraise. The prizes are incentives. We cannot continue with the draw without reaching a target of 60%, but people do not buy tickets. We did not even sell 1 000 tickets.”

He said some people have been donating and ultimately they will ensure that there is a rehabilitation centre within the township.

Gama explained they have contact details of those who have already purchased tickets and their old tickets will be replaced with new ones.

“We are encouraging people to buy tickets because there are people who did not get the message. Kasie FM and Kathorus MAIL have been very supportive, but we did not only rely on them, we also pushed to get the message out. We distributed flyers and posters but it was not enough.”

Gama said he is confident that will achieve their goal. The only uncertainty is time, but they pray it happens in line with their five-year plan.

He said on October 28, people can expect the same concept. There will be fun activities, music performances, the competition draw and entertainment for children.

For more information about the fundraiser, contact Gama at 083 827 4924.