Hiking the 9 highest peaks for the hungry with Meals on Wheels
RIVONIA – Nine teams have set off to summit the nine highest peaks in the nine provinces to help nine beneficiaries as part of the Meals on Wheels 9999 Challenge, in partnership with Peugeot Citroën.
Nine teams set off on Wednesday (7 June 2017) to summit the nine highest peaks in the nine provinces to help nine beneficiaries as part of the Meals on Wheels 9999 Challenge, in partnership with Peugeot Citroën.
The teams headed off from the Peugeot Citroën branch in Rivonia and will complete the challenge on 20 June in Ladysmith. Peugeot 208’s and 2008’s will be driving in convoy across the country to attract new sponsors to the cause of Meals on Wheels.
Meals on Wheels programmes director Gershon Naidoo said: “The purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness about the work we do and the people we serve.”
Meals on Wheels has 210 branches across the country that serve over 2 million meals a month to 12 million hungry South Africans. They specifically serve the poor, disadvantaged, senior citizens, schools and child-headed households, which are most vulnerable. Their work is supported by generous public response and donations to care for these people.
Peaks vary in height from the Nooitgedacht West peak in North West which is 1806m, to the 3451m high Mafadi peak in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Along the route, teams will stop off at Meals on Wheels Community Centres across the country to donate items and get involved in a number of upliftment projects.
As the teams travel across the country, Meals on Wheels branches in Johannesburg City Centre and Ezakheni near Ladysmith will receive brand new Peugeot panel vans to assist them in their work.
The branch in the Joburg CBD was previously distributing 10 000 meals a month on borrowed transport, while the branch in Ezakheni near Ladysmith was distributing 6 000 to10 000 meals a month with the branch manager’s private vehicle, at no cost to the branch.
Managing director of Peugeot Citroën South Africa, Francisco Gaie, said: “This challenge is not for the faint-hearted, but neither is fighting hunger in South Africa. We are honoured to be associated with Meals on Wheels Community Services and the 9999 project, which will make such a difference in so many lives.”
Meals on Wheels national director Drina Engelbrecht said: “This is one of our flagship events which works alongside our vision for a hunger-free South Africa. This can only be achieved through partnerships with corporate South Africa.”
Track their progress by following them on Facebook @mowcsa or visit their website at www.mealsonwheels.org.za to find out how you can make a difference.
