Alison’s altruism shines through

NO one can doubt Durban North resident, Alison Chadwick’s commitment to helping people, be it on the running trail or at local schools, serving disadvantaged communities. Chadwick’s selfless struggle recently led her to raise more than R1-million for the Addington Primary School. As a trustee of the Addington School Community Trust, she has managed, since 2010, to erect new fencing, replace broken classroom windows, re-open the senior library (which had been closed for years) and assist a young boy with Blount’s Disease to help straighten his legs through donations received.

Chadwick is also involved in a number of charitable outreach programmes as well as fundraising for local organisations such as the SPCA and the YMCA.

“One of the outreach programmes I’m involved in is called the Greyville Outreach. I work with about 70 children in the Point (Mahatma Gandhi) Road area. We pick them up every Monday night and bring them to a church in Greyville for a hot meal and some fellowship.

“I managed to recently organise a R150 000 donation for the programme. We were able to take the children on a special visit to an animal farm, which was just fantastic. Many of them had never seen, let alone touched a horse or sheep before.

“For me giving back is more than just helping someone. You’re making a difference in their lives but you also get to understand how privileged many of us are, in terms of having the most basic amenities available to us. Many people, and particularly the children I help, face difficult situations back home. There are more than 500 ‘refugee’ children, and out of the 1 500 learners who attend Addington Primary School, only about 29 per cent of parents are able to pay school fees. I want to make a difference in their lives,” she said.

Chadwick, who fundraises in a personal capacity, also spreads her charitable warmth on the running trails as the marketing and admin officer for Riverside Trail. The trail running group meets four times a week to run trails in and around Durban North, and Chadwick has affectionately been given the moniker, ‘Trail Mom’.

“I think it’s because I’m older than the other runners and I worry about everyone else. I’m always fussing around them and checking if they are okay. But it’s all in good jest and I kind of like the name,” she said.

The Riverside Trail member added that the sport of trail running has also grown exponentially in recent years.

“I used to cycle a lot, and in 2009 I was introduced to trail running. It was the perfect escape from road running, no cars or surburb noises but more birds and trees rustling in the wind. It gives you an entirely difference experience. Spending time in nature can give you such a personal and spiritual connection,” she said.

If you would like to help Alison and her cause, e-mail alisonc@webmail.co.za.

Knowing Alison Chadwick:
Name five words that best describe you: “I would say I’m sensitive, energetic, passionate, kind and a perfectionist.”
What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? “Mainly about all the appointments for the day, my busy schedule and planning my day ahead.”
What makes you angry? “Inconsiderate drivers and cruelty to animals.”
Name one thing we don’t know about you: “I have set foot on all seven continents.”
What is your strongest family memory? “Sunday roasts with my parents and siblings.”

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