Watch: 20 000 sandwiches made in 150 minutes
Dominique Tibbles' fourth annual 67-hour cage challenge succeeded as the Krugersdorp community raised R110 000 and prepared 20 000 peanut butter and jam sandwiches in just 150 minutes.
Belly2Brain NPC founder Dominique Tibbles spent 67 hours in a cage before being released on July 18, marking the successful conclusion of her annual fundraising challenge after the organisation reached its goal of raising R110 000 to help feed 20 000 people.
The tradition of locking herself in a cage for three days has become a hallmark of Tibbles’ fundraising efforts, with this year marking the fourth consecutive challenge. Speaking to the News before being locked up, she said the experience is always demanding, but the impact it has on people’s lives makes it worthwhile.
• Also read: Dominique almost free after 50 hours in a cage for charity
“The days leading up to the challenge had the stress increasing, but despite being sore and tired afterwards, the feeling of seeing it all come together successfully is incredible,” she said.
The campaign’s grand finale, Change2Uncage Sandwich Day, saw the Krugersdorp community come together to prepare 20 000 peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Tibbles said about 400 people took part in the initiative.
• Also read: Less than 42 hours remain in Dominique’s 67-hour cage challenge
“Starting at 09:00, the assembly line didn’t stop until the last spread went on at 11:30. Twenty thousand sandwiches in 150 minutes. That’s 133 sandwiches every single minute,” she said.
Watch the video here:
Volunteers, including students, parents, corporate teams, church groups and community members, joined forces with one goal: to help feed children.
“The energy was unreal. Several Scout troops kept the vibe alive with full-volume war cries and chants that echoed through the mall. Bread was passed, fillings were spread, and hope was packed into every sandwich. It wasn’t just sandwich-making. It was a show of unity,” she said.
Tibbles said the achievement was about more than the number of sandwiches made. It represented children being able to concentrate better at school, families receiving support and a community coming together to help address hunger.
“To everyone who donated, packed, spread, served and believed – this was yours. Change2Uncage isn’t just a campaign name. It’s what we did today. We uncaged potential by filling bellies. We uncaged futures by showing up,” she concluded.
