Fundraising for the Levana School Partnership

Yesterday I was supposed, like many others, to be taking part in the London Marathon. It has been postponed until 4 October, but who knows how it will deal with Social Distancing issues even then.

Thus my annual fundraising for the Levana School Partnership has failed to get off the mark. This is partly because I recognise that many charities that raise funds for needy causes in the UK are struggling at this time. So why should anyone want to donate to a charity that benefits township children in Cape Town?

I have raised this issue with the trustees, who are really concerned about the children that the charity supports. Here's their initial reaction:

"I think our main concern about Cape Town is the way the virus will affect the townships – the police won’t be so keen to break up groups in that context, whereas they will do with groups in the city. The virus will be rampant in the townships as they all live very close to each other and will have no funds for masks, food etc – it’s just laughable to think they would have any means of protecting themselves.

During their lockdown, the police have been quite forceful in breaking up groups gathering in the suburbs but it could end up in riots if they use the same tactics in the townships.

The gangs are supposed to be helping by giving food parcels out, so that could be a positive to encourage as gangs are really powerful in the townships over there. But food parcels might later be used to put pressure on kids to join gangs for what would seem to be innocuous and supportive acts, but that would lead to exploitation of the children later."

 

The funds raised this year will not be spent until whenever next year the trustees can get back to South Africa for their annual visit, so there is no immediate fundraising pressure. I didn't take part in yesterday's '2.6' efforts. I will however do a marathon in some way before the end of the year, even if I have to copy our friend Cary's remarkable effort using a complex but somewhat repetitive course in nearby Wythenshawe Park.

 

Potential and regular donors will have to make their own judgement. I would encourage donations to the Levana charity, and I'll get it off the mark later. But I would also encourage donations to other more local charities who may be struggling for funds. Everyone will have their personal preferences. Those of us who continue to receive our OAP and work-related pensions, as well as refunds of air fares, train fares, accommodation deposits, etc, may actually be able to afford rather more than usual, as well as being able to help family and friends who may be unable to generate their usual level of income in these difficult times. So perhaps a suitable sum could be directed towards Levana - it will make a difference.

 

That's about it really. I'll be sending links to this posting to numerous regular and potential donors over the next few months in the hope that I can yet again raise a significant sum for the charity.

 

Please feel free to contribute - here.

 

Note - the charity's website is here - it should soon be updated for the 2020 visit that thankfully took place just before the virus arrived.