Grade 8 learner at Parktown High School for Girls Zainah Akhalwaya swam the Midmar Mile in an effort to purchase an Openview decoder for the Teddy Bear Foundation’s Soweto branch.
The 13-year-old Norwood resident first swam the Midmar Mile in 2019 in another effort to aid the foundation which supports abused children.
Reflecting on her efforts in 2019, Zainah said, “We swam alongside Natalie du Toit and the Torpedo team and they raised an incredible R25 000.”
Zainah said she decided to swim and help make a difference for less fortunate children.
“There is a whole list of items that are needed at the clinic and if I could help with just one, that would make a child’s life better, I was going to do everything possible to achieve this,” said Zainah.
Zainah said she was concerned about the children who sit and wait for hours at the Protea Glen Magistrates Court before they face their abusers in court. “This must be an incredibly stressful time for them. Having a TV programme to watch, will hopefully help them to de-stress a little.”
She has raised R1 500 so far and aims to double this.
Zainah appeals to community members to help a worthwhile cause through donations.
“We are so blessed in our everyday life that sometimes we forget about others who are suffering. Being abused is bad enough, but to deal with the stress of a court case with an abuser must be worse.
“If we can all do a little to help those kids gain some comfort, we should give with open hearts.”
Zainah thanks her school and swimming coaches Cailin Whyte and Catherine McCreesh for their support with fundraising.
To donate, contact the donor liaison officer at the Teddy Bear Foundation Dalene Bishop at daleneb@ttbc.org.za or call her on 083 469 9196.
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