Solidariteit Helpende Hand is calling on businesses to join their polar plunge challenge on October 24 at the Alberton Rugby Stadium to help raise funds for local schools.

Mariolette Vorster, East Rand regional organiser, highlighted the impact they are hoping to make through the initiative.

“We want to raise funds so that learners have the opportunity to go and study. We challenge businesses to help us reach this goal by participating in this fun challenge. We will have 180 baths, and they will climb in to challenge themselves,” she said.

The challenge is open to businesses across the East Rand. On the day of the programme, businesses from different areas with their respective schools will do the challenge as teams.

“We asked the schools to give us their wish lists of things they want, and we are going to give that list to the companies so that they know how they can assist the schools.

“The schools will also get half of the proceeds made from the ticket sales,” Vorster explained.

The vice-chairperson of the Springs branch, Daleen Groenewald, said being part of the organisation and witnessing the impact of its work has opened her eyes to the importance of lending a helping hand.

“For the first time in my life, I realised that I had been living in my own bubble, but this organisation showed me that there are children who come from tough backgrounds and need all the support they can get.

“We usually give out food parcels to the kids during the school holidays to show them that there is good in this world,” she said.

They urged interested companies and schools to contact them to get involved.

“There is no limit to who can join; the more businesses and employees attend, the bigger the impact,” she said.

Social worker Nadine Landman said initiatives like this help shine a spotlight on schools in need.

Anyone who would like to get involved may contact Vorster on 067 871 0135.