Money raised to feed school children

THE first Charity Showdown held on Saturday July 19 had many winners. The four-team tournament raised a whopping R250 000 for The Lunchbox Fund, the chosen charity for this year’s Showdown. This amount will provide 100 000 meals and feed 500 children a hot meal on each school day for a year.

Bloemfontein Celtic were also crowned the first Charity Showdown champions on Saturday at the Bidvest stadium, after their 2-0 defeat over the enterprising AmaZulu. Celtic reached the finals after beating Bidvest Wits 1 -0 in the semi-finals, and AmaZulu knocked out Mpumalanga Black Aces by 2-1 in an earlier clash.

“What a wonderful day! It was all about soccer, family, fun and friends. e.tv honoured Madiba’s legacy as only South Africans can. Together we are going to feed hundreds of children a hot nutritious meal every school day for a year. An incredible achievement, Tata would be proud,” said Sue Wildish, Managing Director for The Lunchbox Fund.

Scores of fans for the four Premier Soccer League teams travelled from afar in the early hours of a wintry morning to spend the whole day supporting their teams. Bloemfontein Celtic fans, by far the most enthusiastic and die-hard fans, travelled the distance and packed the stadium as early at 08:00 on Saturday.

The children had a special day full of colour and games. They got their faces painted, enjoyed the jumping castles, free popcorn and many games that occupied them while their parents enjoyed three matches of quality professional football. Adults were also treated to the late night performances of Dr Malinga, award-winning DJ duo, Vetkoek v Mahoota and Uhuru lead singer Udu. e.tv’s Khabonina Qubeka, host of Gym eKasi on eKasi+, also entertained crowds with her dance group.

“e.tv truly brings it, a quarter of a million raised, thousands of supporters and 12 hours of pure family entertainment. The Charity showdown was a runaway success and the next showdown will be in 2015.”