WATCH: CKPS learners kickstart a fundraising challenge for TEARS
Three learners from Constantia Kloof Primary School used their school market day to start a fundraising challenge to fight against domestic abuse and gender-based violence, and HOG and Harley Davidson Clearwater have joined in.
On Friday, 13 September, Constantia Kloof Primary School had its Grade 7 market day, but this one was unlike any other.
In light of the alarming number of domestic violence, kidnapping and femicide cases being reported lately, three male learners decided to do something to try and make a difference.
Jayden Steven, David Ingram and Andrew Kehlert decided use their love of gaming to raise money for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. “We want to let the girls in our school know that we care, and respect them. As Grade 7 boys, we want to set an example to the younger boys on how to be real men,” said David.
As part of their market day stall, the three boys held a raffle, where two lucky winners would win day passes to the Rage Expo, a gaming expo being held from 27 to 29 September. They raised an impressive R500 which was donated to the TEARS Foundation, a charity which aims to assist victims of domestic abuse, gender-based violence, rape, and child abuse.
The TEARS Foundation responded with immense joy and appreciation to the learners, thanking them and congratulating them on taking a stand. “With the recent spate of attacks against women and children across South Africa, we are encouraged that the learners at CKPS have acted against the scourge of violence and given their support to put a stop to it,” said Mara Glennie, founder of the TEARS Foundation.
The boys also managed to make contact with HOG Clearwater (the Harley Ownership Group) and challenged them to match their donation to TEARS. The group not only matched the R500 – they doubled it! HOG was inspired by the boys, and this pushed them to challenge the Harley Davidson Clearwater Branch, which has matched their donation of R1 000.
A challenge has now been issued to match or better the donations made by the boys and the two Clearwater Harley organisations.
In total, the boys have acted as a catalyst for R2 500 in donations for TEARS so far. They are now encouraging more schools and local businesses to match their donation. HOG Clearwater has extended the challenge to the other HOG Chapters in the country, encouraging them to match or better their donation. Harley Davidson Clearwater has done the same, challenging the other branches in South Africa, as well as all local businesses.
The school is also extremely proud of the three learners who started this fundraising challenge. “For 40 years, CKPS has produced well-rounded students. We are very proud of Andrew, David, and Jayden for setting an example to their peers with this project, but especially for communicating to the girls in our school that not all boys are perpetrators of violence and abuse against women. On behalf of the CKPS community, we thank Harley Davidson Clearwater and HOGs Clearwater for supporting our boys’ vision and we encourage other businesses to answer their challenge,” said Mr JP Fourie, the Principal of Constantia Kloof Primary School.
To join the challenge and find out how to donate to this worthy cause, contact the TEARS Foundation on 011 577 8600 or email mara@tears.co.za.
