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More than a thousand needy children, are benefitting from the 22nd annual Port Elizabeth Toy Run event as the organisers make a R200 000 investment in little citizens at a function hosted at King’s Court in Port Elizabeth on Friday, 21 February.
The annual fundraising event focuses on supporting underprivileged children through pre-identified, well established organisations nominated by bike clubs volunteering on the event committee.
“As organisers rallying for the cause of helping needy kids, we set out to raise R200 000 at the 2013 event held late November, and we have achieved this through the unwavering support of generous sponsors, the public, biking community, media and event volunteers. This event truly speaks to the hearts of concerned citizens and business leaders who, each year, are coming on board in bigger and better ways to help us help the children,” says Tony Halket, Chairman of the PE annual Toy Run.
The 2013 beneficiaries and the investment made in the children under their stewardship, are as follows:
1. Aurora (PE) R60 000
2. Christelike Maatskaplike Raad (Uitenhage) R60 000
3. Sakisizwe Creche (Hankey) R40 000
4. Lelethu Baby Shelter (PE) R30 000
5. The Teddy Fund (retained for donations to smaller projects) R10 000
Beneficiaries’ wish lists include providing meals, purchasing of education equipment and furniture, baby products, formula, baby hampers and child care education for new mothers, and special needs infrastructure and equipment.
Over and above the cash raised, the Toy Run hosted 350 underprivileged and special needs children at its annual children’s parties in November at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Aurora Centre respectively. This special occasion for the children is only possible through the generous support of sponsors. Close to 1500 toys donated by the public and participating bikers on the day of the mass ride, were distributed by Zwartkops Round Table 195 the following week, to underprivileged children across the Metro.
“The committee extends its gratitude to all its participating sponsors, the public, bikers, volunteers and the media for their support, without which we would not be able to reach out to around 3000 children through the various elements of the annual Toy Run.” concluded Halket.
The next PE Toy Run will be held over the last weekend of November 2014, and aims to exceed its 2013 total of R200 000. The organisers look forward to the support of businesses, sponsors, media, the public and the biking community in ‘helping us to help the children’ for the 23rd year in a row.
