As can be expected the beacon of social good and activism #ImStaying South Africa is at it again this time with a aim to help those suffering from the now-new normal of Eskom load shedding.
CEO of the activism group, Shireen Ebrahim, has launched a project that seeks to bring about the much-needed light for South Africans.
The social activist is calling for communities to become healthy and exercise a good deed by helping those who cannot afford to help themselves by simply organising a community run.
#ImStaying South Africa, said the project endeavours to tap into sports-based organisations in various communities to achieve its goal of reaching out to those who might not have the economic resources to assist themselves.
“The difference with this project is some proceeds are given to the less fortunate who are battling with electricity challenges. This might even help with the water challenges that we are also facing,” she said.
This is exemplified, she said, by a community organising a parkrun or a 5km walk with traffic control, or a smaller group competing at a stadium. A portion of the proceeds are to be used to buy candles, affordable solar lights, batteries, paraffin lamps etc, which are given to the lesser fortunate in the community.
Ebrahim said that the project was fairly simple but would definitely have reach and impact.
“We want every community to become more actively involved in the solutions and one of the easiest ways is to bring sports in a fun way and give back.
“The difference with this project is some proceeds are given to the less fortunate who are battling with electricity challenges. It might even help with the water challenges that we are also facing,” she said.
The activist said that as summer sets in, evening sporting activities can be initiated such as night-time walks or runs.
Ebrahim said these could be frequent, as long as they benefit those less fortunate.
The passionate Ebrahim said although much had been said about the use of alternative energies such as solar panels, nuclear power, a move to independent power providers and drilling boreholes, she believes these are medium to long term goals for the upper and middle class with better affordability
“Right now we need to do something for the masses who are battling it out. If we do not do something in a positive way, it's only going to get difficult and harder,” added Ebrahim.
She stressed that the project is an #ImStaying initiative which is just facilitating the idea.
“What I mean by this is each community elects their own sports groups or leaders to execute and administer the project from start to finish. The end result is social cohesion and bringing about some relief, even in a miniscule way, and to make a positive difference in our country, especially from our load-shedding woes,” explained Ebrahim
What is of concern to her activist group is ameliorating the difficult situation that most South Africans are faced with by offering relief from goods donated from their communities,
“We need to look at solutions from within and become a bit more self-sufficient as well.
“I am in discussions with community parks organisations, athletic clubs and will be initiating conversations with Eskom on this project. So far the engagements have been welcomed with positivity,” she said.
Ebrahim has said that she welcomed ideas and proposals on how to further this project and challenged South Africans to initiatives and projects that would help everyone prosper together.
To volunteer, partner or sponsor please email admin@imstaying.co.za and follow us on Facebook.
The activism group has also called upon any benefactors to this project to use the details below in assisting this noble cause.
The banking details is as per below
BANKING DETAILS
Name of Account: Im Staying NPC
Bank: Nedbank
Account Number: 1207938173
Branch Code: 13853700
Account Type: Cheque
Reference: #IMSNCRL
The Star