Learners run to provide warmth
Runathon charity event by King David Linksfield High School raises funds for more than 500 jackets for the less fortunate.
King David High School, Linksfield hosted it’s first and very-own Run For Warmth Charity Runathon recently.
All the money and proceedings that were raised from the runathon went towards buying and providing warm winter jackets for struggling communities in Alexandra and the Johannesburg inner-city.
Grade 11 learner at the school, Yael Duchen reported that sponsors were sourced who were willing to double whatever amounts were raised by the school, and all of these funds were used to purchase warm winter jackets.
She said the initiative consisted of two phases.
Phase one was the run. On June 3, in the last hour of the school day, just before breaking up for exams, the entire school made their way to the rugby field. A 2km running route inside the school campus was created by the runathon team and sports department. Every single learner got involved and generously contributed towards raising funds for the runathon.
“At staggered intervals, everyone ran or walked or jogged or even sprinted the 2km route, from sports teams to committees and even the teachers. A fun day with everyone making the most out of it was had by all,” Yael said.
Phase two was the warmth. In the past two weeks from the funds raised in the runathon, King David Linksfield learners have distributed more than 500 jackets to children and adults. Partnering with organisations such as Pro Labore Dei South Africa as well as Afrika Tikkun and the Great Park Synagogue who all do incredible work helping those who are struggling throughout Alexandra and Johannesburg, jackets have been handed out keeping those less fortunate that little bit warmer in the freezing highveld winter.
“None of this would have been possible without the endless support of the school management as well as the intrepid runathon team who were all amazing in bringing this project to life. The runathon team consisted of Aliya Rubenstein, Adiv Blumenthal, Sasha Hetz, Daniella Allan, Tayla Radomsky and myself.
“The Run For Warmth Runathon was done in honour of a very special student and friend, Gavi Waksman, whose unmatched love for helping others is an inspiration to all of us daily. We wanted to do something in Gavi’s name that would make him proud. We can’t wait to do this again next year.”
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