THE Rotary Club of Umhlanga will hold its Gran and Gramps 5km Walk on Wednesday, 10 June. The annual walk starts at 8.30am and includes a walk along the picturesque uMhlanga Promenade, ending at Durban View Park. The club is calling on all grannies and grandpas to enter the event. Northglen News recently caught up with a few eager participants ahead of the 5km walk.
Tris Tillard, who has participated in the two previous editions, said he was looking forward to this year’s event. “It’s always great fun. It’s just great to be outdoors, enjoying some fresh air,” he explained.
His friend, Phillip Vorster, who is entering the event as a newbie, said this was going to be a welcome challenge. “I used to love running as a kid. And this just looks like a fantastic day out with some lovely people. I’m looking forward to participating,” Vorster said.
Clive Hull, longtime member and former president of the Rotary Club of Umhlanga, said the event had a three-pronged purpose.
“The main purpose is to create a social opportunity for retired people. So often we see people reconnecting at the events, having worked together or lived near each other, rekindling old friendships. Secondly, we also want to provide some exposure for the Rotary Club. And finally, we use this event to raise funds for various projects the club is working on,” he said.
“Last year we raised R9 500 and we had 220 participants. We are hoping for more walkers this year and to surpass the charity mark as well. We are also appealing to residents to bring toiletries for the less-privileged. The proceeds and donations will go towards the Verulam Day Care Centre and other rotary charities.”
Pre-registration is essential and participants can register directly or through their respective retirement village. The cost is R50 to enter (which includes breakfast).
Hull added that sponsors were welcome and could donate lucky dip prizes such as meal vouchers, hampers, toiletries, health breakfast items and entrance fees for less-privileged walkers.
To enter, e-mail grampsrcu @gmail.com or contact Clive Hull on 083 290 9031. To sponsor prizes, contact Rob Hay on 083 386 4677 or Nettie Howard on 083 225 9715.
