Racing The Planet: Iceland - for Solomon's Haven

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 help me to raise as much as I can for Solomon’s Haven. Here’s the deal: I’ll do the tough stuff and slog across tundra, and you click on the DONATE NOW link at the top of my BackaBuddy page! My donation page is called http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/icelandic-250km-race 

Please remember, every donation – big or small – counts for a lot. Let's do it, together!

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