The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge socio-economic impact on South Africa.  Countless South Africans are not only fighting this pandemic, they are fighting for survival, not knowing where their next meal will come from.  The pandemic has also instilled an immeasurable sense of Ubuntu in the hearts of South Africans.

The past two months have not only seen individuals step up to uplift and empower their communities, but also business entities do their bit to alleviate the need of the most vulnerable men, women, and children in the country.

One such an organization is Chamberlain’s Timekeeping, a local organization that has been timing road running events since 1999. They recently partnered with Finish Time to enable them to offer both electronic and manual timing services, including virtual races.

Supporting a very worthy cause

When South Africa moved to Level 4 Lockdown, Chamberlain’s initiated a series of virtual runs they called I Run for RELIEF.  Apart from helping to ensure that people remain physically active, despite lockdown, the initiative also helps to raise funds for charities involved with providing COVID-19 relief.

After hearing about #ImStaying’s #VouchForYou campaign which is providing food vouchers to vulnerable families, the decision was made to support the initiative through a virtual running event. For every R45 ticket sold for the event, R30 will be donated to the #ImStaying #VouchForYou campaign which, to date, has raised in excess of R950,000 with the help of corporate and individual sponsors.

How to join the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/675165836657952/

To join the I Run for RELIEF event in aid of #VouchForYou, simply go to www.webtickets.co.za and purchase your ticket for only R45.

You can sign up to walk or run 2km, 5km, or 10km within a 5km radius of your home. You can even run in your own backyard or on a treadmill if you wish! Let’s do this South Africa, just by getting up you can you feed a family.

The event is held over two days. You can choose to participate either on Saturday, 30 May 2020 from 6 am to 9 am OR Sunday, 31 May from 6 am to 9 am.  Remember to log your time before 6pm on Sunday.

Additional info from the event organizers:

  1. To upload your time: Go to www.raceresults.co.za.
  2. Click the ‘I Run for RELIEF’ block on the home page.
  3. Select the event and search for your name.
  4. Click on your name and follow the prompts.
  5. Upload your time before 6pm Sunday.
  6. Free Certificates available.
  7. No prizes for ‘race’ winners or age categories.
  8. Everybody welcome.
  9. All COVID-19 health and safety protocols must be followed at all times.

Anyone can help raise funds by donating directly to #VouchForYou here too:

Please submit your story to us HERE
For more positive and uplifting stories visit us at #ImStaying

• GOOD THOUGHTS • GOOD WORDS • GOOD DEEDS •