Local celebrates his birthday by giving back

A local runner celebrated his birthday by raising funds for the donation of school shoes to New Jerusalem Children’s Home on 2 April.

Mpumelelo Tshuma said the idea began when he challenged himself to run 5km in 25 minutes in a challenge he called #TheFatRunner5kmin25Challange on the 14 November last year. This challenge sparked an idea to take on another challenge to purchase 25 school shoes and donate them to the less privileged.

He added that he wanted to make sure every child’s dignity was maintained when they attended school. “The response was overwhelming from fellow runners on Twitter, receiving donations from the running groups Unique Squad, WeAreRunners and Morning Crew.

“We received further donations which were both in cash and shoe donations from Midrand-based companies such as Unified Horizons, Roaming Carwash Distinct Air, Tolvatech and BN Solutions. We then decided to change the initiative and donate 30 school shoes as a way to celebrate my 30th birthday on 2 April. Even then, the response was overwhelming as we managed to source 34 school shoes and sanitary pads,” he said.

“We are living under the toughest times during a pandemic that has affected us in different ways. Some have lost jobs, others family members and it is during this time that we are challenged to dig deeper and show ubuntu.

“Every minor donation to anyone means tomorrow’s leaders are made and tomorrow’s community is being raised with ubuntu.”

The shoes and sanitary pads were donated after the 30km birthday run to New Jerusalem Children’s Home.

Founder and director of the children’s home, Anna Mojapelo welcomed the donations.

“We are deeply touched by the community’s charitable hearts despite the fact that they are going through the most challenging times,” she said.

Details: New Jerusalem Children’s Home 010 224 0458.

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