Next up on my bucket list, the land of fire and ice: Iceland, for a 7-day, 250km self-sufficient stage race, starting in the highlands between Iceland's largest glacier Vatnajokull and Langjokull, from 4-10 August (click here for details).
Apart
from the challenge of running that distance carrying a +/-10kg pack, the
temperatures may well be extreme. While still officially late summer in early
August, Iceland’s weather this time of year is unpredictable, with the
likelihood of strong, icy winds and temperatures dropping below 0 deg C.
As always, I'll be doing this for the cause that's close to my heart: Solomon's Haven. This is an emergency shelter in
Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town that is home to +/-16 children, all of whom have
been abused, neglected or abandoned by their own families and referred for
safety to Solomon's Haven by the Department of Social Welfare. Maria and
Alec Solomon provide a secure and loving environment that focuses on
building self-esteem in preparation for the children’s eventual healthy
integration into society.
Solomon’s Haven is a registered non-profit
organisation and receives a government grant of less than R200 per month for
each child in its care. This has to cover school fees, food, clothing, medical
costs, and transport. These government grants are supplemented by Alec’s small
income as a builder and, importantly, by donations.
The Haven provides a place of safety for
children of all ages, from small babies to teenagers, many for a few years,
some for just for a night or a few days. Often Maria receives children in the middle
of the night needing immediate attention, care and refuge. As tribute to her
enduring work for the community, Maria was runner-up in the V&A Woman of
Worth 2003, and very proudly won the full award in 2004.
To raise funds for Solomon’s Haven, I’ve registered with BackaBuddy, an
online donation site through which donating is simple, fast and totally secure.
It's also the most efficient way to donate directly to where funds are needed.
You don’t have to be in South Africa – anywhere in the world works just as
well!
Please remember, every donation – big or
small – counts for a lot. Let's do it, together!
Labels: BackaBuddy, Iceland, Racing the Planet, Solomon's Haven