‘Mooving’ donation for CHOC
Locals make a splash after raising R225 000 for CHOC during the recent Midmar Mile.
AN astounding R225 000 was raised for CHOC by three local residents and their teammates during the recent Midmar Mile in Pietermaritzburg.
Not only did they raise a substantial amount but they also did it dressed in their festive Friesian bovine patterned bathing suits as part of the CHOC Cows – a fundraising arm for CHOC (The Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa).
Antoinette Gifford of eMdloti and Glenashley residents, Sarah and Connor McLennan (9), signed up with 22 other passionate altruists to take part in the gruelling race as members of the CHOC Cows Durban Herd.
“Our original goal was to raise R38 000 but our sponsors completely blew that amount out of the water. We have been humbled by peoples’ unbelievable generosity,” said an elated Sarah.
“We hope that we can encourage more people to get involved next year and to raise an even bigger amount,” she added.
Gifford, who is also an employee of The Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga, said the group was motivated to take part in the fundraising initiative as many of the members were mothers, who could emphathise with the needs of the children.
“It is an charity that is close to our hearts. More and more children are being born with cancer and this is a great way to assist children who cannot afford treatment,” she said.
When the management of the famed hotel heard of the group’s efforts, they offered to donate R5 000 towards their collected funds.
Durban North resident and KZN committee member of the CHOC Cows Durban Herd, Gordon Reid, said these donations were desperately needed.
It has been estimated that in developing countries such as South Africa only 20 to 50 per cent of children survive cancer, as opposed to 80 per cent in first-world countries, he said.
“These funds facilitate early diagnosis, which is key, as well as the treatment of childhood cancer patients,” he said.
