Hakuna Matata and Friends have raised R200 000 from taking part in sporting events for their school shoe project and feeding scheme.

Together with supporters, members of the non-profit organisation tackled the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Town Marathon, and the Hewat Festival of Running.

Irafaan Abrahams, chairman and founder member of Hakuna Matata and Friends, and Liesbeeck Primary School teacher, said with the funds raised and shoes donated by a company, they will hand out over 2000 pairs of school shoes over the next few months.

Mr Abrahams said an organisation they do what is in their our control and leave the rest in God’s hands.

“My year started with a near-death experience, I almost drowned in a current but I am so grateful to be alive. My family and I are driven to make a difference in people's lives. That’s what I live by. The success of our school shoes project has been a blessed experience,” said Mr Abrahams.

They will tour areas is the province and start by donating shoes to 303 pupils at Carl Shreve Primary School in Piketberg on Saturday April 27 and feeding 2500 people. They will visit the Holvlei Primary School in Moorreesburg, donating shoes to 70 pupils.

On Saturday May 4 they will donate shoes to 350 pupils at Koekenaap Primary School, feeding 1500 people. On Saturday May 11 they’ll donate to 280 pupils at Steenberg Cove Primary School in St Helena Bay as well as 150 pupils at EJ Malgarte Primary School in Stompneusbaai. On Saturday May 18 they’ll donate to 130 pupils at Anne Pienaar Primary School in Malmesbury, said Mr Abrahams.

Member of Hakuna Matata and Friends, Gaaliep Christians said he feels that he is part of something much bigger than himself. “Together, we are capable of great things. Putting a smile on someone’s face by gifting them school shoes or a hot meal is fulfilling. I’m eager to be a part of this again, I want to continue to help others.”

Mr Abrahams’ daughter Saar-rah Abrahams who participated in the 42km cycle race, said helping others is a privilege. “Being a part of this is a blessing as it makes a difference.”

They’re thankful for the many sponsors and donors who helped them make this project come true. They will continue to take part in sports events to raise funds for charity.

“I'm just an ordinary teacher trying to do something extraordinary. I feel blessed to want to keep doing the best for the less fortunate child. Outside of the classroom, this is what a teacher is about,” said Mr Abrahams.

Gaaliep Christians, member of Hakuna Matata and Friends, and teacher at Liesbeeck Primary School and chairman and founder member of Hakuna Matata and Friends, Irafaan Abrahams.

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