NOTTIES-100 UOC WALKING EVENT FUNDRAISER AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING IMPACTED MANY
- linettelintvelt
- Sep 17, 2024
- 3 min read
What started as a brilliant fundraising idea ended in a fantastic collective effort, breaking the darkness, when the inaugural Notties-100km ultra endurance event against human trafficking kicked of recently at Nottingham Road, KZN. 70 enthusiasts, accepted the challenge to tackle the distances of 100km, 75km, 50km or25km by either walking, running, or cycling.
Participants were invited to walk, run or cycle the distances. The event was initiated by Natasha Kirchmann and UOC’s Specialist Operative, Amy Arnold with the purpose to support UOC’s cause and promote awareness for the organization’s active combatting and intervention of counter human trafficking activities in South Africa.
Participants were invited to secure sponsors and actively fundraise for the occasion which promised great sponsored prizes as rewards. All proceeds of the event went to strengthen Unchain Our Children’s ongoing actions in identifying, addressing and preventing incidents causing children to become victims of human trafficking and related crimes. Notties-100 will become an annual event.
Walkers, runners and cyclists all prepared by pre-event training. Mid-event back-up included snacks and drinks offered at rest points along the course. The event created an opportunity for everyone to show their solidarity and join UOC’s daily effort to stand up against the heinous crimes against children in our country.
Umlani Bush camp sponsored a R30 000 prize for the top fundraiser. Other prize sponsors were, !Xaus Lodge, Kgalagadi, Awelani Lodge, Limpopo, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge and Bushman’s Nek. The choir of the Combined School in Nottingham Road, KZN sang at the start and finish line of the event.
The concept, Breaking the Darkness, was born in the crucible of a survivor’s pain being a victim herself of grooming and sexual violation 25 years ago, God’s healing of her and His command, “Go Walk” ignited enthusiasm in many co-organisers hearts and the planning and prepping began.
The walk was envisaged as a prophetic proclamation and mission to take back the territory the evil human trafficking industry has stolen and to emphasis the truth that no amount of darkness can wipe out the light. This theme was beautifully equated in the brilliant sunset and sunrise, in the smiles of survivors who made candles and bags for every participant.
People of all walks of life joined, irrespective of age, gender, culture, income, profession or social standing.
It was a journey within a journey reminiscing the victories of survivors of human trafficking, how they have healed and how they now encourage others to share the fight against violation of the cruellest kind. Grooming victims is probably the most cunning craft of the human trafficker. They practise deceit, promise good times, fancy cars, alcohol, clothes, parties, but deliver spiked champagne, rape drugs and abuse before dropping the victim as a bag of garbage burdened by guilt and shame.
Throughout the event, the contrast between darkness and light, evil and Godliness were experienced by the participants as they passed the 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km markers where they could light a candle, made by human trafficking survivors, and spend a minute celebrating their freedom and praying for others who are still captured.
“The final finale of the 2024 Ultra distance Notties100 was a wonderful evening spent celebrating with a core group of people who have become like family. I am so grateful for all of these awesome people and what every person has brought to the table. This was such a perfect example of what strong and effective team work looks like. My cup is overflowing with joy.” Walking for Anti-Trafficking – Natasha Kirchmann
People met people. Lawyers, gardeners, children, and supreme athletes bonded and pledged their collective support behind Unchain Our Children. Six children and two chaperones from a school in Underberg, who did all their own fundraising, to make money to pay for their entrance, transport and accommodation, joined the walk. Some children walked 50 km, marched on, through the night. A precious camaraderie unfolded. New voices against human trafficking were added. Many hearts opened and endless prayers were prayed.
“We stand humbly, in absolute astonishment before the courage of human trafficking survivors who conquered their internal trauma by the grace of God and, understanding what violation means, now embarking on initiatives creating awareness for counter human trafficking actions. We will continue to pursue justice for trafficked- and abused victims and survivors”, said Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children when thanking the organisers and participants.
Special Mentions: Unchain Our Children’s heartfelt gratitude goes to Natasha Kirchmann, Amy Arnold and Brady Mayhook for driving the event together with many other supporters. A special thanks to Chris Dykes and the ESSA community who became part of the valuable core group of participants. And lastly, a big thanks to all the members of the support crew who cheered and encouraged participants along the entire 100km route. We stand in awe of everyone’s incredible dedication and enthusiastic contribution.
Enjoy more videos of the event:
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