Counting coins and steps for orphans

Thanks to a lot of Voltaren cream and many plasters, Ballito’s two turkeys have finished their long trek and now they are asking you to help them complete their mission.

Heidie Smith and her daughter, Amber Mendes have taken thousands of steps along the Turkish coastline to raise money for the North Coast Courier Orphan Fund.

“I have always had a soft spot for children. They have the right to a good childhood and a happy upbringing. The Orphan Fund has been around for many years, it is run well and you know your money is going to go towards improving the children’s lives,” said Smith, while sipping on a cappuccino from one of the colourful mugs she brought back from Istanbul.

“The walk was an amazing experience and although we got lost, had to hitch rides and slept in some of the strangest places, we enjoyed every step.”

Smith said the terrain was much tougher than expected and sometimes the only way to get down the steep cliffs was to slide down on their bums.

“We had to climb many mountains and with 10 kilograms on your back, that mountain gets steeper with each step.”

After all of the trekking, the duo were relieved and excited to reach their final destination – Istanbul.

“It is such a vibrant, colourful, buzzing place. The people do not know much about South Africa, or Africa for that matter and those who could speak English, usually had to Google South Africa to understand where it is!”

Back home, they are focused on getting the fund-raising together, so that they can hand over a cheque to make a difference to the Orphan Fund.

“We urge everyone to open their hearts and donate even the smallest amount to help the orphans, who have no one else but the community to rely on.”

The cut off date for donations is May 31, so send an email to: together1stepatatime@gmail.com for more information or donate your chosen amount to: account name: Zimbali Rotary, bank: Absa Ballito, account number : 9245 763 008.

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