Across South Africa, an escalating number of households are experiencing hunger every day. At last count 1.6 million households were affected, according to a 2019 report from Stats SA entitled: An examination of hunger and food inadequacy”, but the Covid-19 pandemic is making matters far worse with its severe impact on jobs, incomes and school nutrition
programmes.
To help address this national crisis, Move The Nation, powered by Old Mutual, has once again re-imagined road running. From setting the pace for iconic marathons like the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon it has now moved to running for a purpose. A life-saving purpose. Its aim? To raise a minimum of R6 million to feed 10 000 school children for one year.
Kabelo Mabalane and Peteni Kuzwayo, founders of Move The Nation, will embark on a gruelling 600 km road run, aptly called Hope with Every Step, from Johannesburg to Durban.
The run, which is expected to take 17 days from 7 September to 23 September, will raise awareness and money towards Joint Aid Management (JAM), which currently provides food for about 120 000 children a day. Individuals and corporates from across the world are encouraged to donate on the Hope with Every Step website hopewitheverystep.com where PayFast and swift codes will be provided.
Several well-known South Africans and influencers have volunteered to run in solidarity with the duo by joining them for a few kilometres along the way. They have also pledged to use their social media platforms to raise awareness of the initiative and encourage others to donate and/or stage their own virtual runs in solidarity.
As a long-standing supporter of road running and a responsible business committed to making a difference in our communities, Old Mutual is pledging the first R1,1 million towards the cause or will match 18% of the total funds received, whichever amount is the greater. Thobile Tshabalala, Head of Brand at Old Mutual, believes this campaign is a natural extension to Old Mutual’s ongoing commitment to tackling social issues such as poverty and unemployment.
“We urge everyone to join us in bringing hope and solutions to the people who are in greatest need at the moment. We will continue to find innovative and effective ways to use our sponsorship to be that valuable certain friend in uncertain times.”
How to donate?
Deposit your donation in this bank account:
●Bank: ABSA
●Account Name: Hope With Every Step
●Account Type: Cheque
●Account Number: 4099077292
●Branch Code: 632005
●Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ
To follow the progress of the run, post messages of support or virtually run in
solidarity, visit:
●Facebook @movethenation_sa
●Instagram @wemovethenation
●Twitter @movethenation
●LinkedIn @wemovethenation
●Website; www.hopewitheverystep.com
