Runners line up to support Carel du Toit virtual 100km challenge

Athletes are gathering to run in support of the Carel du Toit Centre’s Hear to Run fundraiser.

Runners will use the “virtual” system created during the pandemic where the distance is covered in private or small groups, and the effort is recorded and submitted to race organisers online.

The respected non-profit centre has been hit hard by the pandemic, and has organised the virtual 100km run during deafness awareness month in September.

The centre assists preschool deaf children in the Eastern Cape with the natural acquisition of language and speech, through maximum use of technology and provision of parental guidance and support.

The goal is to assist the children  to speak in the hearing world.

Principal Paula Kumm said: “The main purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness about our school and to raise funds, as we were badly affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.”

She said they were hoping runners and their supporters would donate R1 for each kilometre run. The target is R20,000.

These funds would  be spent on maintenance and buying equipment for the staff and pupils.

“It was quite challenging during lockdown, as the parents usually attended the lessons with their children. Some parents were struggling with the online learning and being able to understand their children, but we made sure we assisted where we could,” she said.

So far 60 runners are participating, including the Gonubie Harriers Runners Club. Club chair Mandy Hatton said 10 of their runners had committed to the event.

“This is a great way to bring about awareness to deafness and hearing problems. We also wanted to have our runners motivated and committed to something, as with all races being cancelled, staying motivated can be quite tough. This was an excellent way to provide motivation, commitment and support a cause.”

She said they had all their runners and walkers taking part in racking  up kilometres for the club.

“By doing this no one is left out and everyone stays motivated. We have also encouraged club members and runners to make donations directly to the centre individually or if they know anyone who would like to.

“We have no set target for funding as we feel that we don’t want to put a benchmark on it, but rather that more people are aware of this NPO and want to donate.”

 “If anyone would like to take part, they can find Hear to Run on Strava and log their kilometres.

“Raise awareness – the more people that know, the better. More funds can be raised this way by reaching more people who know about it,” Hatton said.

Runner and sub editor at the Daily Dispatch Tim Stones, who is participating in the fundraiser, said: “I am grateful to have had the upbringing I had, and the incredible support from a young age, as a deaf person, to learn to use my voice.”

He said the centre played a pivotal role in providing deaf children with the opportunity to acquire a skill that opened up a world full of possibility.

He said: “In this month we celebrate the lives and the potential — with support and reasonable accommodation —  of the deaf.

“It is a privilege for me to offer my support to this extraordinary school. Let’s join hands and together make sure that the Carel du Toit Centre for children with hearing loss can continue to open up a whole new world for the deaf children of SA.”