Latest news with #CommunityChest
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Meet the Comrades superheroes
Dean Wight and Mahesh Ratanjee are vying for the top spot as top Comrades charity collectors in this year's race. They're the best of frenemies in a very different but just as competitive Comrades race. Dean Wight, 56, a veteran of 31 marathons, has won it six times. For Mahesh Ratanjee this will be his fourth Comrades and he stands as last year's winner. The race - in which the two are neck a neck - is to be the top fundraiser for the Comrades official charities. Both are aiming to raise over R200 000. Both say the charity component helps keep them going through the race itself. Wright, who runs with Queensburgh Harriers, is supporting the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust. In the eight years he has been running for charity he has raised more than R2.7 million. He actually counts having run 33 Comrades - although two were virtual during the Covid lockdowns. His best year was in R2021 when he raised R538 000 running 90km around his garden. He remembers it being Easter Monday and receiving a large donation from a devoted husband, whose wife, a Comrades runner, had died from covid. Ratanjee admits he's 'just a newbie'. He runs with Durban Athletics Club, which he says is the second oldest Athletics club in the world after London. He's raising funds for the Community Chests of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. His first attempt at Comrades was cancelled with the Covid lockdowns and it's only since that he has been running for charity. Last year he raised the top amount - R197 000. 'You kicked me to the kerb,' Wight says. 'Hey, you just gave me a break,' Ratanjee replies. Ratanjee runs for the Community Chest because the funds raised support an issue dear to his heart - early childhood development. 'My wife and I lost our first child, a girl. We've been fortunate to have two sons since, but I run in her memory. Then last year I lost my 11-year-old niece, so I run on behalf of two angels,' he says. 'They are my superheroes,' he says, showing his Superhero cape that Community Chest runners are given. Wight points to the superhero Captain Creme Soda emblazoned on his bakkie. He runs a company called Beloved Long Runs which helps train people for Comrades. His whole life spent in the sports world - in sports stores and with shoe makers. He ran his first Comrades in 1988 and has had 'many years of practice'. He started running at age 11 when a schoolboy friend asked him to join him on a fun run. His grandfather ran the second Comrades in 1922. After his first race it was his goal to get a green number - then 20. Now it's 50. He tells how a HACT volunteer approached him to run for the charity. It was a volunteer named Sally Jones. 'I went to meet this lady and ended up saying yes. I said 'let's go for R10 000'. And then I thought, I know more than 1 000 runners and if each gives R10, that's over R100 000. I phoned her back with the new offer. And then a schoolboy friend phoned to say that if I raised over R100 000 he'd throw in another R100 000,' he said. Ratanjee, who admits he's never going to be upfront with an 11 hour 47 finish last year, enjoyed running at school and used to participate in the 3 000 meters. His dad and aunt were big Comrades fans. 'But it took me 45 years to rope myself into the race,' he says. 'Last year was special as one of my school mates who beat me in that 3000m contest ran with me,' he says. 'And he's doing it again this year.' Asked about their advice to fellow runners, Wight says to pace yourself and 'enjoy your day'. 'Start slow and finish strong," Ratanjee pipes in. Gordon Mc Donald, director of the Community Chest, thanked the athletes who run for charity. 'Runners put in their heart and soul. All the charities work with their runners, make a fuss of them. It can be lonely on the road, and charities provide a purpose and community for many. It's something bigger than themselves.' Then as we finish one of them checks the comrades charity app. Some "whippersnapper" has jumped over both of them. They vow to redouble their efforts.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stella AC gearing up for 50th Stella Royal
OVER 2000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the 50th Stella Royal road race which will be hosted by the Stella Athletics Club around the leafy suburb of Glenwood on Sunday, May 18. The Stella Royal, which includes a 5km and 10km fun run/walk and 25km run, will coincide with the club's celebration of their 50th anniversary. Race director Kevin Hendrikse said they want the road race to be a big celebration of the club's half a century milestone with 'lots of community involvement' along the way. 'The Stella Royal road race, which runs through the streets of Glenwood, is very much community orientated,' said Hendrikse. 'We try to get the community involved as much as possible. Our water tables are managed by many of the schools around the area as well as local running club. The Community Chest is also involved in assisting with the water stations. With this being our 50th Stella Royal we want to go big with the race and have more involvement from the community.' Also Read: Lace up your running shoes for the Stella Royal Hendrikse said the Stella Royal is listed in the KZN race calendar and is part of the Discovery Vitality run series. A number of athletes use the race as part of their training preparation for the Comrades Marathon. Nkosinathi Ngcongo, who was third last year, said he will be marshalling the race this year. 'It's my way of giving back to the club for the support that they give us as athletes,' said the Comrades runner who is gunning for a silver medal. It is anticipated that around 2500 runners and walkers will be part of the road race that starts at Stella Sports Club on Helen Joseph Road – the 25km will start at 06:00, 10km at 06:30 and 5km 07:00. 'Our sports field will be transformed into a race village with marquees, it will be amazing. Metro Police will be there to ensure the safety of the runners and community members. The Glenwood UIP is also involved with law enforcement as we try to minimise the disturbance of residents in the area,' said Hendrikse. The race route runs through Glenwood to Umbilo, and past the Stellawood Cemetery for those doing the 25km. Online entry is open at and will also be available on the day. The entry fee is: 5km Fun Run/Walk: R100 (Late entry R100) 10km Run/Walk: R160 (Late entry R190) 25km Run: R220 (Late entry R250) Participants over 70: FREE Temporary Licence 10km: R80 Temporary Licence 25km: R110 Number collection is on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 until 16:00, and on Sunday, May 18, from 04:30. All finishers will receive a medal and the top three finishers will receive prizes. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
David Masondo's mission: Running the 2025 Comrades Marathon to support Early Childhood Development
Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo aims to raise R25 000 for Early Childhood Development for the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied As the countdown to the 2025 Comrades Marathon begins, Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo is preparing to run the 2025 Comrades Marathon in support of Early Childhood Development (ECD). With a commitment to raising both funds and awareness for ECD, Masondo is running under the banner of Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Masondo, who is running his seventh Comrades this year, considers ECD a pivotal investment in the future of South Africa. 'The first few years of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Yet, too many children in South Africa, particularly in underserved communities, lack access to quality ECD services,' he said. Having set an ambitious fundraising goal of R25 000, Masondo has just begun his campaign with an initial R300 already raised. He said all proceeds from this initiative will be directed towards educational, nutritional, and holistic care efforts for young children in under-resourced communities. Masondo stated that the Comrades Marathon is not just a test of stamina; it is also an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that personal action can make a real difference, even in positions of national responsibility. 'Early Childhood Development is one of the most powerful investments we can make in the future of our country. The first few years of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Yet, too many children in South Africa, particularly in underserved communities, lack access to quality ECD services,' he said. He believes that we can help break the cycle of poverty, improve educational outcomes, and build a more equitable society by raising awareness and supporting organisations that are working to address these issues. 'My decision to run this year's Comrades Marathon in support of ECD is my way of using this platform to shine a light on a critical area that often doesn't get the attention it deserves,' he said. In addition, Masondo stated that his Comrades' training is progressing well. 'This will be my seventh Comrades Marathon, so I know what to expect, but it is never easy. It requires consistency, mental focus, and a lot of early mornings.' The deputy minister said running for this cause keeps him motivated. 'Knowing that each step I take is helping to raise awareness and support for young children gives the journey even more meaning. I am looking forward to race day.' Gordon McDonald, executive director of the Community Chest, said the Comrades Marathon is a strong international brand and is ideally placed to highlight the plight of our vulnerable community members and the charities working to assist the poorest of the poor. McDonald said that it is an honour for Community Chest to have the deputy finance minister leading by example. 'Being in a position of responsibility to our nation, it is gratifying to note that he is also personally making a difference. With every step that he takes as he aims to complete 89.98km in the ultimate human race, he simultaneously cares for over 7 845 under-resourced children in KZN,' he said. According to McDonald, Masondo's fundraising endeavours will reach 65 ECD centres, supported by the Community Chest, in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. 'Every cent raised goes to help under-resourced children under the age of five, to ensure they receive the right nutrition, mental stimulation, and social and emotional development to prepare them for a successful future,' he said. McDonald thanked Masondo for "running with his heart" and supporting young children during the most crucial years of their development. 'His efforts will not only raise funds but increase the awareness of the work done by Community Chest to empower and enhance needy communities,' he said. The charity invited Comrades Marathon runners to join the deputy minister by signing up on Race4Charity for Community Chest. This year's down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday, June 8, will be slightly longer, covering 89.98km. Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo. Image: Supplied
New York Times
16-04-2025
- General
- New York Times
Is It Wrong to Remove a Card From Monopoly?
My grandchildren love playing Monopoly. The board game has become a great way for me to interact with them, and also a great way for them to see capitalism in all its imperfect glory. The problem: One of the cards a player may draw when landing on Community Chest is 'Bank Error in Your Favor. Collect $200.' Right when we first started playing the game together, I removed that card from the set. I did so because it taught the wrong lesson. The proper thing to do when there is a bank error in your favor is to report it and return the money. My grandchildren have discovered the deletion and believe I am silly and old-fashioned. After all, it's just a game, they say. I stand by my belief that the card should not be in the game; we learn all kinds of lessons from gameplay, and ethical decision-making should not be dismissed so easily. How tightly should play reinforce ethical behavior? Is a game a place where you can and should live in a different ethical world? — Victor Poleshuck From the Ethicist: I wonder whether your moral focus here is a tad narrow. We're talking about a board game called Monopoly. Players succeed by dominating market segments and extracting ruinous rents — after they build on Boardwalk without so much as a wetland permit, let alone an environmental-impact review. It's a world where incarceration is utterly normalized and rapacity is rewarded. And what troubles your conscience is the prospect that the bank gets shortchanged? That's not to single out this particular board game. In chess, white enjoys the inherent advantage of moving first, while knights refuse to go straight — so much to unpack. Battleship encourages the sinking of ships without the slightest effort at diplomacy. Risk is basically a primer on imperialism, urging players to conquer continents and subjugate foes. Clue trivializes violent homicide. Sorry sanitizes revenge, and — well, you could go on. But what's the point? All this board-game barbarity leaves our souls unscorched. Games indeed exist within their own imaginative space, where competitors engage in chilly strategy and conflict without carrying its lessons into real-life morality. Removing this random cash-injection card will only make it a bit harder for trailing players to catch up. So put it back. You can even use it as a moment for conversation, and ask your young reprobates what they'd actually do in that situation. Just don't lose sight of the bigger picture here. If your grandkids are still willing to play with a sermonizing card snatcher, they must really love you. Roll the dice, but I'd say you've already won. Readers Respond The previous question was from a reader whose girlfriend has repeatedly looked through his phone and computer. He wrote: 'Now I use my devices in another room for private communication, which she sees as secretive. I view it as private, not deceptive. I respect her privacy and don't snoop on her devices. And though I'm open to couples counseling, I believe my girlfriend's mistrust issues need individual attention first for therapy to be effective. Is there an ethically accepted standard for accessing a partner's devices, with or without permission? If a partner demands to see a device, is the other partner ethically required to comply? Am I misguided to consider continuing this relationship?' In his response, the Ethicist noted: 'There isn't any settled convention about whether people should be able to see what's on the devices of a romantic partner. Nor could there be. … Whatever a couple's policy, though, it's clear that gaining access to a password-protected device by stealth or guile is a violation of trust. … A couples therapist could help the two of you figure out whether (and if so, how) this relationship can be rescued. I'm certainly in no position to weigh in on its prospects. … Either way, continuing the relationship without sorting out these issues strikes me as unwise. Trust isn't something you can fake, or force. It's a foundation you build together — until it's strong enough to hold the weight of both of you. For some couples, it comes naturally. For others, it never comes at all.' (Reread the full question and answer here.) ⬥ Excellent response by the Ethicist. At first I thought, why carry on a relationship with someone who is not trusting? But at 60 years old, we all have baggage. If the girlfriend can recognize her mistrust and address it, maybe it is worth journeying on together. — Mary ⬥ While I agree that this privacy issue is really an issue of trust, in addition to setting a boundary with his girlfriend, I would encourage the letter writer to change his password and not share the new one with her. — Adrian ⬥ My daughter always respected her husband's privacy and didn't insist on knowing his phone password or computer login. He was killed in a car accident a few months ago, and she now needs a court order to gain access to crucial information that was stored on these devices. But the real clincher is that upon his death she discovered he'd been leading a double life. Only a partner with something to hide keeps device access private. — Beth ⬥ I am a therapist, and can offer that sending the girlfriend for individual work puts the blame squarely on her. If a couples therapist determines that her jealousy is an individual issue, then the girlfriend can be referred to another provider for individual therapy. — Katharine ⬥ When I was married, I discovered that my (now former) husband snooped into my daily journals. It's one of many reasons he is now my ex. I think we all have a right to personal freedom. Building trust is hard, but it can't happen through control of the other. — Christina
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brewer divides more than £30,000 in grants between lucky recipients
Family brewer Hall & Woodhouse has divided more than £30,000 in grants between 20 lucky recipients. The grants, awarded at the annual Community Chest Awards, are part of a larger £60,000 fund dedicated to communities in the south. This year, the fund is the largest donation made by Hall & Woodhouse through its Community Chest initiative since it began in 2002. Mark Woodhouse, family director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: "We're delighted to deliver a record-breaking Community Chest fund to support the multitude of voluntary organisations we have in the south. READ MORE: Dorset charities can win £1000 in Movement for Good Awards Hall & Woodhouse awards over £30,000 in Community Chest grants (Image: Hall & Woodhouse) "Our Community Chest Awards celebrate the amazing people doing fantastic things in our local areas and are a chance to thank and to give back to those who go above and beyond to help others." Among the beneficiaries, Routes to Roots received £3,000 to continue providing home-cooked lunches at its drop-in sessions in Poole. Ups and Downs Southwest, a charity supporting children with Down's syndrome and their families, received £2,000 for a 12-week intensive support plan. Another beneficiary, Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs, received £1,000 to cover training costs and professional services to support its autism specialist dog trainer.
