Durban North runner raises more than 12k for food hampers
Kate Da Silva, who is a seasoned runner said her original target was to raise R5000.
DURBAN North resident, Kate Da Silva raised R12203 when she ran 21km, by taking laps around her garden during lockdown. Da Silva was running to raise funds for the C-19 People’s Coalition, which formed in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Da Silva heard about the coalition through her friend and fellow Durban North resident, Lindsay Hopkins who is the founder of environmental organisation Waste Action Tribe and project manager for community initiative, Litter4Tokens. Through her network in the community, Hopkins was invited to join the C-19 People’s Coalition.
“Lindsay, who is usually keeping our rivers and beaches clean, is now looking after her local communities and keeping them fed during the pandemic. The communities live hand to mouth but are currently unable to work,” said Da Silva.
On her birthday, Da Silva took up the challenge to run for a good cause.
Also read: Durban Mayor launches Covid-19 Social Relief Programme
“I wanted to keep fit, I wanted to run 21km, but I wanted to run for a cause. I saw photos of the work Lindsay was doing and decided I wanted to do something to help people who need food,” she said.
She set up a back-a-buddy page for ‘Kate’s Birthday Challenge,’ and was overwhelmed by the donations that poured in. Da Silva, who is a seasoned runner and works as a teacher at Northlands Primary School, said her original target was to raise R5000. When funds poured in, she reset her target to R15000.
Also read: Teaching tips for parents during lockdown
“I am a concerned citizen who is passionate about the environment and community. I am hoping I can make a small contribution to a greater cause. I have two young children and I want to show them the difference we can make – even if we are stuck at home,” she said.
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