Mary-Ann Shearer, Gordon’s Bay
I went for a jog with 10 women from the township (currently on a skills training programme) this morning, and I am always so inspired by their commitment to health.
Running/walking with them in their sandals – mainly flip flops, all I see is that they are totally committed to getting fit and wont use the excuse of not having the right shoes, which none of them can afford.
As we got to the car to go back to our premises in Gordon’s Bay, a woman walked over to us, taking off her shoes while telling us how inspired she is as a runner by the women, and donated her running shoes to help at least one of them.
We were overwhelmed at her generosity and thoughtfulness and with much, whooping, clapping and laughter from the women, we left.
Bullet (Buhle), who had the right-sized feet, is the recipient of this random act of kindness and she cannot stop smiling.
So this got me to thinking that I am sure many of you have running shoes you don’t wear anymore, and that you may like to donate to these women. They wear mainly size four, five and six shoes.
Don’t worry that we will receive too many pairs – as we will keep extra shoes for the next batch of women, and we are planning to start a running club in the township where they all live as a way to keep them motivated and to give back to their community.
So we are more than happy to distribute shoes for any age and size from children to adults, men and women.
If you have no shoes to send, money will do well as we also need decent undergarment support for some of the women, and they need to be fitted at the local Sportsman’s Warehouse.
This will enable them to run their first 5km and then train for the next distance 10km.
They are so motivated to run a longer distance like the Two Oceans next year (56km) or maybe the year after, but they don’t want to stop the training.
Simply post the shoes to PO Box 443, Gordons Bay, 7151 – or courier to 959 Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Gordon’s Bay, with the cell phone reference 084 224 4200 Mark.
I just know that we can all make a difference to this community and they in turn can be the change too.
The next project is to get veggie gardens going in the community – watch this space.
