Everyone’s invited to be part of Urban Ruins fundraiser for upgraded playgrounds on October 24

Families, schools and runners are invited to Woodlands International College on October 24 for a fun-filled day that will combine fitness, school rivalry and fundraising.

The event will run between 08:00 and 14:00, with proceeds going towards upgrading the playground at Urban Ruins and improvements at the Salvation Army crèche.

Urban Ruins founder Clayton Viljoen said the fundraiser will help create better spaces for children who use the facilities.

“We feel quite strongly that when little kids are given the right environment in which to grow up and have a safe space to grow up, then they enter the world as better adults.”

Urban Ruins has been operating for 13 years and currently cares for about 50 children, with capacity for up to 64.

Part of the fundraising will go towards maintaining and upgrading its playground, including repairing or replacing equipment.

Cecil ‘Bob’ Andrews of Rotary van Ryn said the initiative also reflects the organisation’s focus on putting funds raised through its activities back into the community.

The event will have a strong school focus, with organisers encouraging scools to bring as many participants as possible.

Woodlands International College, St Dominic’s Boksburg, CBC Boksburg, Boksburg High School, Sunward Park High School and Sunward Park High Performance School are among the schools being approached.

Interact learners from participating schools will also be involved, helping to drive entries while supporting their own community initiatives.

The school with the highest number of participants is set to receive a certificate and prize.

The fundraiser is also designed as a family day, with a kiddies’ corner, jumping castle, face painting, food stalls and a market planned alongside the run.

Toddlers will have an opportunity to take part in a separate kids’ dash.

Adults will pay R120, while learners aged 13 and younger and pensioners will pay R60, with a family package costing R300.

Participants are encouraged to register online before the event, with online registration securing a goodie bag.

Tickets will also be available at the gate, although organisers are encouraging people to register beforehand.

The organisers hope the October event will grow into an annual fundraiser, bringing schools and families together while supporting projects that improve the lives of children in the community.

For registration details, prospective participants can contact organiser Clayton Viljoen on 081 747 0833 to receive the registration form and banking details.

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