Blind councillor raises money for charity with 24th Midmar Mile
Nortjé started a Back-A-Buddy page for the feeding scheme of AFM Church in Sunnyside. It has raised over R10 000 so far.
Sunnyside PR councillor, Hentije Nortjé recently completed his 24th consecutive Midmar Mile for charity.
The a’Quelle Midmar Mile is a swimming race that has been held annually in February at the Midmar dam in Pietermaritzburg since 1974.
Nortjé has been a well-known veteran of the race and for his 24th appearance, he decided to raise funds for a AFM church feeding scheme for the homeless in Sunnyside. He said that this race was particularly challenging due to weather though he and his pilot were able to overcome.
“The weather was not good, there were a lot of waves and it was quite choppy so that was a challenge. You get different challenges every time but this was one of the more difficult ones,” Nortjé said.
Nortjé started a Back-a-buddy page for the feeding scheme, which has raised over R10 000 and is still open for donations.
“I felt touched by the work the church is doing because going hungry is the most degrading thing that can happen to any human being out there,” Nortjé added.
The councillor said before the race, the number 24 was special to him but now the number 25 is all on his mind. He doesn’t know if his 25th will be his last but is focused on remaining fit and healthy to return next year.
“I believe that whether you are disabled or not, we all have a responsibility to help our community. In my ward, I have the responsibility to help the people. Anyone of us can become homeless and fall down that spiral. No one is better than anyone, we must look after everyone, everywhere that we can, even if you are disabled,” Nortjé said.
Dr Thomas Swift of AFM Sunnyside, on the corner of Kotze and Troye streets in Sunnyside, said that the church is immensely appreciative and believes effort will help the church feed the 200 to 300 homeless people every Friday.
“We are very grateful for his initiative, although he is blind, he still feels and cares for others,” said Swift.
Residents interested in donating can visit the website www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/blind-da-pr-councillor-swims-24th-midmar
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