MUST READ: Memel Walk generates R100k for local charities

Local charities are big winners, thanks to one of Newcastle’s biggest sporting events.

Beneficiaries will get their share of R100 000 in donations, through the success of this year’s Vlam Panelbeaters Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk.

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Co-organiser, Johan Pieters said this proved what communities could achieve.

“20 per cent of the event’s profits go to charity, and this year Christo [van der Vyver] and I donated our portion too.”

The two men from Champ Marketing revealed these details at a breakfast function last Friday morning, during which water table hosts from the event were congratulated and rewarded for their support.

Hosts each received certificates of appreciation at this event.

In thanking primary sponsor, Vlam Panelbeaters and secondary sponsor, KFC Newcastle, Pieters said water tables were the most important part of the Memel to Newcastle Walk.

“We thank you for your dedication and working from early in the morning to make the event a success.”

Pieters’ speech began with a proclamation about how sport could unite a nation, and highlighted the 1 707 entries into this year’s event, primarily women.

Among those were an 81-year-old walker and a 67-year-old runner.

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Pieters also made mention of the Twee Tjops, Magdel Pretorius and Susan Pitout, who all used the Memel to Newcastle Walk to generate funds for their respective causes.

He believed that was what the event was truly about.

Called to the podium, Susan Pitout of team Leaving a Legacy expressed her delight at being part of making a change, shortly before a cheque for R80 000 was handed over to principal of Esperanza Special Needs School, Jennifer Pillay.

“The challenge was only a R100 pledge, so it shows how many people supported us this year.”

Special tokens of appreciation were then presented to Pitout for her selfless work, a representative of the title sponsor for its contribution, the South African National Blood Service for curating the event up until 2018, and the Newcastle Advertiser as sole media partner.

Then it was on to the coveted annual Water Table Trophy.

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Pieters explained the competing athletes could vote for their favourite water table via SMS, and said competition was stiff.

The Best Newcomer was Premier BB Bakeries.

CA Ras Sand & Vervoer was commended for having the Best Spirit, while the main water table prize went to the LANXESS Cisa team.

Representative, Morgan Rajah said: “We love to be a part of the community. We are here for Newcastle, as a company.”

In conclusion, Pieters said the 2019 Memel to Newcastle Walk would be the 25th event, and he planned to go bigger, better and shake South Africa.

“The event attracts tourism to Newcastle and we will ensure 25 years is a huge success. See you in 2019!”

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