COMRADES MARATHON HANDED OVER R8 MILLION TO ITS SIX OFFICIAL AMABEADIBEADI CHARITIES
In a momentous event underscoring its unwavering commitment to social responsibility, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) officially handed over the funds raised through the annual Comrades Marathon Charity Drive at the Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani on Friday, August 22. This year, the spirit of The Ultimate Human Race shone brightly, with a record-breaking total of R8,012,438 raised for the CMA’s AmaBeadiBeadi official charities.
The Comrades Marathon, known for pushing the boundaries of human endurance, once again demonstrated its collective power to make a profound impact on the lives of those in need. The lion's share of this remarkable sum, R6,174,151.65, was raised through the dedicated efforts of runners on the official Race4Charity platform, a true testament to the selfless spirit of the Comrades community.
The remaining funds were a result of a multi-faceted approach to fundraising, which included generous donations received through race entries, the sale of official charity apparel and accessories, and the hugely successful “Win a Car” competition, generously sponsored by Toyota South Africa.
Distribution of Funds:
The R8,012,438 raised was distributed among the six official charities, enabling them to continue their vital work:
- Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC): R2,829,388
- SANParks Honorary Rangers: R1,588,165
- Community Chest of Durban and Pietermaritzburg: R1,280,128
- Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT): R790,200
- Rise Against Hunger: R767,412
- Childline KwaZulu-Natal: R757,146
The CMA extended its heartfelt gratitude to all the runners and supporters who contributed to this outstanding achievement. A special commendation went to the top three individual fundraisers, who turned their running efforts into a powerful force for good:
- Mahesh Narendra Ratanjee: Raised an exceptional R320,000 for the Community Chest Durban & Pietermaritzburg.
- Ida Van De Wetering: Selflessly raised R165,800 for the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC).
- Luc Quevauvilliers: Secured R86,000 for the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
"The Comrades Marathon is about more than just a race; it's a vehicle for change," said CSI & Charities Chairperson, Nontuthuko Mashimane. "Every year, our runners and supporters opened their hearts and their wallets, and it was through their incredible generosity that we could make a real difference in the lives of many. We were thrilled to be handing over this record-breaking amount to our official charities, and we extended our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this outstanding achievement."
To all who contributed to this incredible achievement, from the runners who signed up for Race4Charity and went the extra mile to fundraise, to every individual who purchased a "Win a Car" ticket or a piece of official charity apparel, your generosity was nothing short of extraordinary. The collective effort of every runner, supporter, and donor—whether through race entries or direct contributions—transformed a challenging race into a powerful force for good. Your compassion not only helped raise a record-breaking R8 million but also gave hope and assistance to those in our communities who needed it most.
Thank you for your selflessness and for embodying the true spirit of the Comrades Marathon.
