I have been participating in extreme desert running challenges for the past few years to raise awareness and funds for organisations and causes making a difference in Africa. Starting on 20 October, I’ll be competing in my eleventh international desert race - the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM). This race involves running 250km in 6... Continue Reading →
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital – Honouring Madiba’s Legacy and Changing Lives
“Together as a nation, we have the obligation to put sunshine into the hearts of our little ones. They are our precious possessions. They deserve what happiness life can offer.” Former president Nelson Mandela On the afternoon of 8 February 2018, my 10-year-old son was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Wilgeheuwel Hospital... Continue Reading →
My #DesertRun4NMCH – Using Sport to Give Back
Many South Africans are using their participation in sporting activities from running marathons to climbing mountains to raise awareness and funds for social causes and to make a difference in society. Supported by the reach and popularity of social media as well as crowdfunding platforms, these initiatives have the increased potential to influence meaningful change.... Continue Reading →
The Cows – Love living life and making a difference
The Cows are all about FUNdraising for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation and supporting children with cancer. They represent people with a passion for life and a desire to support initiatives that make a difference. The energy of the herd is infectious and with the motto ‘Love Living Life’, there is no stopping the stampede. The... Continue Reading →
SECTION27 – Catalysts for social justice
SECTION27 is a public interest law centre that focuses on access to health care services and other socio-economic rights in South Africa. It combines research, advocacy and legal action to improve the socio-economic conditions that undermine human dignity and development, prevent poor people from reaching their full potential and lead to the spread of diseases... Continue Reading →
Soul City Institute – A passionate commitment to social justice
On 11 August 2016, the Soul City Institute (SCI) was relaunched as a feminist and social justice organisation that focusses on young women and girls and the communities they live in. Although South Africa enjoys one of the world’s most visionary constitutions and comprehensive bill of rights, the country remains a deeply patriarchal society, where... Continue Reading →
Torsten Koehler and Love Your Nuts – Awareness saves lives!
In 1995, while in his thirties, Torsten Koehler was diagnosed with testicular cancer, ironically whilst educating young teenagers about sex education at a school where he was employed as a teacher. His journey of survival started by openly confronting his thoughts and emotions, relating the reactions of his friends, family and not least, his students,... Continue Reading →
loveLife – Influencing positive behavioural change
The New loveLife Trust, also known as loveLife, was established in 1999 as a joint initiative of leading South African NGOs, private foundations, and the South African government. Its initial mandate was to reduce new HIV infections and unplanned pregnancies among young people aged 15-24 years by half within a five-year period. As the organisation... Continue Reading →
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation – Keeping more than hope alive
The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation was established in 1979 by parents of children with cancer in South Africa. Childhood cancer is a life-changing, traumatic experience, and they aimed to ease the burden on parents and families facing the same journey by providing access to relevant, accurate information, as well as emotional and practical support. Globally,... Continue Reading →
Amanda Smith – Driving change through Running4Pads
Millions of young girls in South Africa, and across the African continent, miss days of school because they cannot afford sanitary products during their monthly menstrual period cycle. Some of them must resort to using old pieces of cloth or newspapers as an unhygienic substitute, which in turn could cause them to lose more days... Continue Reading →