WATCH: Farrarmere resident will again conquer Kilimanjaro for a great cause
“The reason we partnered with deaf people is that we want people to understand and experience the challenges faced by deaf people.”
Benoni transformational coach and speaker Nolan Pillay will, in the coming months, embark on an adventure to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, with seven deaf climbers.
Pillay and 14 other people from Johannesburg and Cape Town will attempt to summit Kilimanjaro in Tanzania from August 21 to 28 to raise funds for Miss, Mr and Mrs Deaf South Africa and the Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss in Southern Africa.
“The reason we partnered with deaf people is that we want people to understand and experience the challenges faced by deaf people.
“We want to bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf communities in South Africa. We also want to give the gift of hearing to a child,” said Pillay.
Pillay shared he connected with the deaf community in 2019 when he launched his company, StraightTalkWithNolan.
“At the launch, I invited three deaf people to speak, including the late Ms Deaf SA 2019, Judith Madi. She told the audience that imagine if all of them could not hear and she’s the one who could hear. Her words struck me.
“I realised there is a huge gap between hearing and non-hearing, which is why I want to create an awareness that deaf people are human beings first before their disability,” said Pillay.
The Farrarmere resident said the trip will cost R97 000 per climber, which includes flights, specialised gear, training and park fees at the venue.
A certain percentage will go towards cochlear implants and workshops that will teach people sign language.
A doctor, an interpreter and guides that will assist climbers with their bags will also go with them.
According to the philanthropist, who will climb Mount Kilimanjaro for the second time, as part of their training, they’ve so far trained at the Drakensberg mountains and others.
The youngest climber is 29 and the oldest is 50.
“We are urging all cooperatives and the public to come on board and give many children the gift of healing. Anyone who donates will receive a tax right-off,” said Pillay.
Anyone who would like to support this worthy cause can contact Pillay on 062 556 7817 or at [email protected] and [email protected]
Also Read: Couple summit Mount Kilimanjaro for charity
Also Read: Conquering Kilimanjaro with a purpose
