Walk alongside Leilani in support of Yellow for Survivors
Since 2019, Yellow for Survivors has raised funds through various fundraising initiatives, including a 430km journey last year and a 29 hour walk in 2021.
Leilani Kuter, director of the non-profit organisation Yellow For Survivors, will complete her final walk for victims of gender-based violence on Saturday, September 17.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2021/08/19/leilani-walks-for-those-who-cant/
“My own incident happened 30 years ago. It is now time to concentrate on prevention and treatment. In collaboration with professional organisations, Yellow For Survivors will hold self-defence classes on a more regular basis. We also hope to establish a network of qualified therapists and counsellors to assist victims of GBV, who often cannot access the services because of the costs involved,” Leilani said.
On April 4, 2019, Kuter received a spiritual message to begin telling her story about her own rape ordeal on September 16, 1992. She embarked on a massive 27-day walk to raise awareness about survival and funds for organisations that provide comfort packs and counselling to rape survivors,. She was able to raise more than R250 000.
During the walk, she realised there was a need for survivors to reclaim their power. She began receiving requests for memorial walks from survivors and family members of victims who did not survive attacks. Some survivors walked with Kuter for more than 50 kilometres.
“I believe that Yellow for Survivors made a difference and that we touched people’s lives in a meaningful way through the dedication walks and annual walks,” Kuter said, closing this chapter. “It was also a process of healing for me.”
Since 2019, Yellow for Survivors has raised funds through various fundraising initiatives, including a 430km journey last year and a 29 hour walk in 2021. Kuter always had people walking with her, and the funds raised were donated to organisations that help GVB survivors.
Yellow For Survivors invites everyone to walk with Kuter in the Cradle of Humankind on September 17. They will start the 30km route at 05:30 at the Bidon Bistro in Muldersdrift. If 30km is too much, any distance will do. Cycling and running enthusiasts are also invited.
At 10:00, Gary Lewis and Carien Davel from the NPC Never Tap Out will lead a self-defence class at the Bidon Bistro. Attending the class costs R50 in donations. Donations in any amount can be made at www.yellowforsurvivors.co.za/donate. All funds raised on the day will be donated to Matla A Bana and the Go Purple Foundation, which help survivors of rape and GBV.
