Durban North resident raises ‘moo’la for CHOC
Gavin Skevington is taking on his 10th swim at this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile in honour of the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.
IT was hard to miss Durban North resident Gavin Skevington at the intersection of Swapo Road (Broadway) and Adelaide Tambo Drive (Kensington Drive) in his black-and-white furry cow suit on Sunday as he raised funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC).
Skevington, a member of the ‘fun’draising arm for CHOC, the Cows, is taking on his 10th swim at this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile in honour of the non-profit organisation (NPO).
The 41-year-old was joined by four other volunteers, who not only helped raise funds but also awareness by speaking to motorists about the foundation at the traffic lights.
In all, the Northlands Primary School educator, along with his volunteers, helped raise R3 096.80 in just three hours.
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“This year will mark the 10th crossing – the 10th year the Cows have swum the Midmar Mile – and it also happens to be my 10th swim for CHOC so that’s incredibly special. I’ve often donned the cow suit to raise funds in and around Durban North, and the interactions and love shown by motorists has been phenomenal. I set myself a few targets today, and each one was surpassed, from our first R20 to our first R100.
“For me, the work CHOC does is inspiring, and it was what ultimately got me involved. I have no big story or a connection to anyone fighting cancer, but I just wanted to do something for someone else. When it comes down to it, the Cows are all volunteers. It is such a humbling experience to be a part of it because everyone involved in the herd, as we like to call it, helps out of the goodness of their heart. It is about people doing good because they want to,” he said.
Skevington, who will don Friesian-cow-patterned swim shorts at the 51st edition of the Midmar Mile, said he hoped to inspire youngsters to give back.
“I’ve been involved in education for 21 years, and I think every educator hopes they can inspire young people around them. I’m one of a few educators at Northlands Primary School who are dedicating their mile for CHOC. Collectively, we want to show how you can make a difference, even if it seems small, but to impact those around you in a meaningful way,” he said.
The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from Thursday, February 8 to Sunday, February 11.
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