‘Weight’ to go! Fundraising with a twist
Durban North altruist, Mano Nayager, lost over 15 kilograms in two weeks to raise funds for the Edith Benson Babies' Home.
WHEN Durban North resident, Mano Nayager, decided to embark on a mission to lose weight and take on a healthier lifestyle earlier this year, he was simultaneously inspired to do so while raising founds for a local charity.
Teaming up with fellow Durbanites, Bryony Parr, Saysha Nicolson, Sue Rankin, Sam Haskell and Anneme Coetzee, he created the Superheroes for Charities organisation and set out to lose 15 kilograms in two months to raise R30 000 for the Edith Benson Babies’ Home.
Nayager recently reached his target. “In 55 days he lost 17 kilograms. He has been a real trooper and is very dedicated to his cause,” said fellow fundraiser and dietitian, Rankin.
“It is a different kind of fundraiser and was well-supported by the community. One anonymous person even made a R5 000 donation. While we are still collecting some of the pledged donations, I can safely say that we are halfway to our goal amount,” he said.
For the fundraiser, an appeal was made for the community to pledge donations of R20, R50 or R100 for every kilogram that Nayager lost – alternatively they could also make a once-off donation of R100.
“People are also welcome to donate second-hand clothes, toys or food or baby formula, which they are in dire need of,” added Nayager.
When asked how he felt about reaching his goal, he said, “I feel brand-new. Knowing that I have improved myself while making the difference in the lives of young children has been very overwhelming,” he said.
He also admitted that his efforts were not without challenges. “Being able to smell the delicious breyani and samoosas and not being able to have any was difficult, but fundraising and charities have always been close to my heart, so I made sure to focus on my goal,” he said.
Nayager’s ‘big reveal’ recently took place at the home, where the altruists presented the home with the funds as well as various donated items. The team has now invited other community members to follow suit. As part of the Superheroes for Charities initiative they can also volunteer to lose weight to raise funds for a charity of their choice.
Edith Benson Babies’ Home in Durban currently cares for 60 children, from newborns to five-year-olds. Contact Sue Rankin on 083 459 6090 or e-mail suerankin21@gmail.com.
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