Natalie du Toit and her team take on Midmar Mile in aid of abused children
PARKTOWN – R45 064 has been raised so far.
A courageous team of 12 adults and 20 children took on the Midmar Mile on 8 and 9 February in aid of abused children at the Parktown-based Teddy Bear Foundation.
The team included renowned Paralympic and Olympic swimmer Natalie du Toit as well as Elvira Wood, who fenced for South Africa in the 2008 Olympic Games.
The Teddy Bear Foundation is a non-profit organisation which provides support in the form of medico-legal examinations, forensic assessments, psychological assessments, counselling and court preparation for victims of abuse.
According to donor liaison officer at the Teddy Bear Foundation Dalene Bishop, a number of children and adults swam to help rescue children at the foundation who are in deep troubled water.
Elvira swam alongside her two children Jason (15) and Callista (10) and Bindi the bear.
She explained, “Bindi is short for isiBindi, which is an isiZulu word meaning ‘courage’. She shows that even if horrible stuff happens, you can do courageous things with a team around you cheering you on.”
Elvira said that sexual abuse in South Africa has reached disastrous levels. “I believe that if one child can live a good life as a result of my contribution, it is worth many swims.”
“People often support children with cancer, but rarely stand up for sexually abused children. Someone must help these children and create awareness of the need to report abuse. This is what we swam to do.”
Community members are encouraged to donate funds via the Back-a-buddy page to help abused children at the Teddy Bear Foundation. Visit Back-a-Bear Swimming the Midmar Mile 2020! for more information.
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