Get snappy for the Nappy Run
JOBURG – Lace up those takkies and make sure to stretch beforehand, because the annual Nappy Run is once again set to take place at Joburg Zoo on 7 November.
The Nappy Run campaign was created in 2011 by the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA, which also runs the highly successful Casual Day fundraising project.
The aim of the Nappy Run is to create awareness around the basic rights of children with disabilities, and the overall advancement of the dignity, care, development and social inclusion of children with disabilities in South Africa.
“The campaign, held every year between October and November, fosters respect for the dignity and rights of children with disabilities as one of the world’s most exposed and vulnerable groups,” said Therina Wentzel, national director for the council.
“During this time, we also appeal to the public and corporates to donate nappies [diapers] or ‘nappy rands’. Children with disabilities mostly require nappies for a much longer time in their lives than other children. The vast majority of children with disabilities are also poor, with nappies being unaffordable for their parents or caregivers.”
Since its inception, the council has collected more than 300 000 nappies for children with disabilities. Donated nappies are distributed to families and centres for children with disabilities throughout the country.
The highlight of the Nappy Run is the 5km fun run taking place on the day, which happens to coincide with National Children’s Day.
Registration takes place from 7.30am to 8.30am, and the race officially starts at 9am.
“We urge participants to wear a cloth nappy in a fun and creative way while they run, walk, roll or stroll to show their support for our country’s children with disabilities,” Wentzel added.
“Entry will cost R80 for adults and R40 for children and includes a full day’s access to the Johannesburg Zoo.
“In addition to this, our associations for persons with disabilities in each of the nine provinces have local Nappy Runs during October and November, wherein cycle clubs and motorcycle clubs are being challenged to do ‘Nappy Rides’ to collect nappies,” Wentzel concluded.
Details: www.nappyrun.org.za
