There was a hint of Spring in the air as around 200 outdoor types of all ages set off on the Westville Country Club’s 5km ECO Trail for Hosanna Women’s Fun Run. There were the dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts determined to reach the finish line well ahead of the pack but, for most, the goal was twofold – to make the effort to see that funds were raised to build Zanele Nzimande’s Early Childhood Development centre in Amaoti, and to simply savour what organiser, Hosanna Women’s Michele Gorrie, called “a piece of paradise for all to enjoy!”. But the fun for all didn’t end once the not-too-strenuous bit was done. There were loads of activities to engage the whole family for the rest of the time and all to the strains of acoustic duo The Kickstands who generously donated their time and musical talent to ensure the day had the right note.
Michele explained that the Westville Country Club had donated the use of the trail for the Fun Run and the space for the post-trail events. She went on to say that the land for the ECD centre had already been purchased by the Conrite Group through its relationship with Hosanna Women whose sole purpose is to benefit the ECD education space. “We empower Black women in education to run their own crèches and preschools in line with the National Qualifications Framework. The funds raised were earmarked for the building of the centre. Zanele, who has been part of the ECD team with The Domino Foundation for many years, has long dreamt of having her own centre, and today has moved us closer to realising that dream for her.” She added that the generous support of many businesses and individuals had contributed to the day’s success and invited others who would like to be part of the community effort to see the establishment of a well-run preschool for underserved children to contact her at
michele @ mgcollective.co.za.
