Daxina Primary School grounds were filled with energy and compassion on Saturday, 12 September, as community members gathered for the 5K Run4Love Run & Walk, an initiative aimed at creating awareness and raising funds for children born with cleft lip and palate.
The event, hosted by Daxina Striders in partnership with Love Without Reason South Africa, brought together runners, walkers, families and supporters who came out to contribute towards a cause focused on providing life-changing medical support to children in need. Sharon Raman, a representative from the organisers, described the event as a success and highlighted the significance of the partnership. “It was a successful marathon. It was our first five kilometres partnering with Daxina Striders,” she said. One of the participants, Rea Sibeko, said she chose to take part because of the charitable purpose behind the event and the difference it could make in the lives of children. “I participated because it is a charity event that helps children. Initiatives like this need communities to come together and support and help children,” Sibeko said.
The funds raised through the initiative will support Love Without Reason South Africa’s mission of providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries to children who may not otherwise have access to the necessary medical care. A cleft lip and palate is a birth condition where a baby is born with an opening or split in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth. The condition can affect a child’s ability to feed, speak, hear and develop confidently, while also impacting their overall quality of life if left untreated. Through access to surgery and continued support, children born with cleft conditions can overcome many of these challenges and have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.
The 5K Run4Love carried the message, “Run with Purpose | Walk with Compassion | Change a Life,” encouraging the community to use collective action to make a difference. The event also formed part of the broader #UntilTheWorldIsCleftFree campaign, which aims to ensure that children around the world have access to essential cleft surgery regardless of their financial circumstances.
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