Learners brave cold weather for charity

For the second year running, learners of St Dunstan’s Preparatory School and the College plunged into the school’s icy swimming pool on June 23 for the Headmaster’s Polar Bear Swim Challenge.

The challenge, which was initiated last year, saw about 100 participants, including parents and educators, take on the plunge.

Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation ambassadors Percy Montgomery (former Springbok rugby player) and Olympics silver medalist Terence Parkin formed part of the guests that attended the event.

The challenge was held to raise funds and awareness about less fortunate members of society.

St Dunstan’s Preparatory School headmaster Craig Mc Ilrath said: “To understand what many of our underprivileged communities are going through, we decided to experience this by getting cold for a little while. We would like to thank the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation for supporting us for the second year running.”

Participants donated blankets towards the school’s blanket drive initiative and this was supplemented by a donation of 10 000 blankets and R10 000 from the foundation.

Mc Ilrath said the blankets will be donated to various charities, including Hospice East Rand.

Foundation CEO Chantel Wittstock said they are pleased to have supported this great cause again this year.

“We are hoping to make this bigger and better every year and get more schools in Benoni involved in this community project.

“This initiative also helps to raise awareness for the Foundation’s swimming projects.”

All successful finishers received a hot cup of coffee and chocolate to reward them for their efforts.

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