AN annual highlight of the Rotary Club of Umhlanga’s calendar, with this year’s ninth one being no different, is the Gran and Gramps Walk which is on Wednesday, September 18.

The annual walk includes a walk along the picturesque uMhlanga Promenade and starts and ends at Durban View Park.

Vanessa Champion, a past president and longtime member of the Rotary Club said the event is open to everyone, and participants are encouraged, where possible, to donate toiletries for beneficiary projects the Rotary Club has identified.

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“Anyone can walk with us on the day, but it’s mainly for grans and gramps. The core purpose is to create a social opportunity for retired people and get them active. We encourage residents to pre-register to take part as, this year, we are setting an entry limit of 250 people. It is very easy to participate – all they need to do is contact me and I will send them a registration form.

“The lovely thing about this annual walk is the charitable angle. A share of the proceeds from the entry fees goes towards the Verulam Old Age Home, and we also ask our walkers to bring toiletries with them on the day which are donated to the residents of the home. We are so pleased to have Umhlanga Tourism and Netcare 911 on board with us. We have spoken to Breakers Hotel, and we are hoping to have a glass of champagne for walkers at the halfway mark. There will also be goodie bags for entrants,” she said.

Champion added that the club is also looking for volunteers to help out with marshalling on the day.

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Twilanga Retirement Village general manager Mike Bowley said the walk represented fellowship. “As a retirement village, we’ve always supported the event because we believe in active care and fellowship. It really is a fun morning, enjoying the sunshine and contributing to a cause by helping others in need,” he said.

Residents at the retirement village, Penny McAllister, concurred with Bowley. “I love taking part, and I have completed every single one. It’s just a fun day out to release some endorphins, take in the lovely scenery and give back in a meaningful way,” she said.

Important to note

The Rotary’s Gran and Gramps Walk takes place on Wednesday, September 18, and starts and finishes at Durban View Park (corner of Marine Drive and Durban View Road, uMhlanga). Participants are encouraged to arrive by 07:45 to collect their wristband, and the walk starts at 08:30. Pre-registration is essential and ends on Wednesday, September 11. No registration will be accepted on the day. The cost to enter is R80 (EFT only). For more information, email champion.vanessa58@gmail.com or contact Vanessa on 072 744 3140 for more details. Participants are encouraged to bring some toiletries along for the needy.

Banking details
Bank: ABSA Umhlanga Ridge
Code: 623005
Account number: 1001491080 (Rotary Club of Umhlanga current account)
Reference: GW and your name

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