Locals back Botshabelo

Waterfall residents Owen and Alicia Rawlins recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise much-needed funds for non-profit organisation Botshabelo.

The Midrand-based organisation runs three primary programmes which include a children’s home that looks after orphans and abandoned babies, a preschool that gives children from disadvantaged families education and a teacher-training programme which trains teachers who assist at preschools around Johannesburg.

Alicia, who is also a board member for the organisation, decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the benefit of Botshabelo. She said that the idea came to her in December last year while celebrating her 40th birthday. She rallied her family and friends to join the climb with her and her husband Owen.

The Rawlins’ trained extensively over the following six months which included cardio workouts and regular trips to the biokineticist. She added, “I am not a hiker or mountaineer so it was definitely out of my comfort zone.”

The Rawlins’ began their Mount Kilimanjaro climb on 23 September, taking the six-day Rongai route, and reaching 5 300 metres. She said that although they didn’t reach the summit, it was an amazing experience.

In the end, through a back-a-buddy account, the couple were able to raise close to R50 000. “The response was so overwhelming. The work Botshabelo does is nothing short of amazing so I’m very glad they can get this assistance.”

Managing director at the charity Michelle Hinrichsen said, “Botshabelo is so grateful for Owen and Alicia for their generosity, support and for using their great adventure to strengthen the work we do.”

Details: www.botshabelo.co.za

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/189380/journey-towards-mount-kilimanjaro/