Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg have been an official Comrades Charity since the inception of Amabeadibeadi in 1998. We are the only charity that has enjoyed such a long-standing relationship with the celebrated Comrades Marathon brand. The reason for this incredible partnership is two-fold– the support of children under the age of five in under-resourced areas throughout KwaZulu-Natal, and the encouragement we give the running community.
The Comrades Marathon Association understands the vital need for Early Childhood Development (ECD) and the benefits of children to receive the right nutrition, a strong educational foundation, as well as gross and fine-motor skills, in the first 1 000 days of their lives.
Community Chest Durban and Pietermaritzburg support 65 creches throughout KwaZulu-Natal which caters for 7 845 children. These well managed ECD Centres receive monthly funding from Community Chest after going through a comprehensive screening process. They are then required to submit monthly reports and visited frequently by Community Chest’s social worker to ensure they use these funds for the optimal benefit of the children.
Over the past 27 years, Community Chest has enjoyed the honour of having hundreds of Superhero runners run the Ultimate Human Race for the benefit of ECD and one hundred percent of the funds raised are directed to the NPOs.
We have had the privilege of being part of the history, excitement and nostalgia of this phenomenal run - from the build-up, to the Comrades exhibition and on race day we host a refreshment table. The experience of being part of a refreshment table towards the finish of the race can only be described as an amalgamation of extreme emotions. We don’t believe any other ultimate marathon can rival the passion and emotion that comes with this globally renowned race.
Every year Community Chest staff and volunteers host watering tables at 12 other running events. We are known for the fantastic atmosphere, vibe and very loud cheering that emanates from our table – not to mention our humorous placards!
We are also proud to serve runners each year at the GEMS Comrades Disadvantaged Runners programme, where our team prepares meals and assists runners who are accommodated on the eve of the race and the night after they have run almost90kms! Take a look here to experience the atmosphere and appreciation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zu6yZQk9WY
Please run your Comrades Marathon, the Ultimate Human Race, with your heart and sign up for the Community Chest. Contact us on 031-303 3890 or email fadeela@communitychest.co.za.