Running club donates clothing to the needy in Braam

The Movers Club embarked on a game of touch rugby to raise awareness about clothing the homeless this winter. 

On Freedom Day - which marked the 30th commemoration of South Africa's democratic dispensation, five rugby teams competed at the Wits University rugby fields in order to collect clothing for the needy.  

Members of the runners club folding the collected clothes donated by the participants - Photo: Salim Nkosi

The games were part of the Free 5’s winter clothing drive organised by The Movers Running club. 

The club is part of Avitality, a sportswear brand which is also dedicated to effecting change within society. The club is the branch of Avitality which focuses on community development and promotes communal healthy living through running with a team.  

Mmambowethu Katsande told Wits Vuvuzela that “the touch rugby game is to raise awareness by getting everyone to donate clothes to gift the homeless, we want to be able to give the people what they need where possible.” The People showed up in numbers with bags full of clothes and blankets. 

The spectators and teams were varied, including Wits University Students and staff, alumni from other institutions, and University of Johannesburg students. After the teams, consisting of a mix of females and male, clashed it out, it was ultimately ‘The Rebels’, who were winners, receiving a trophy.  

The Rebels standing with the trophy after winning the tounament - Photo: Salim Nkosi

The Movers normally have their running sessions in the morning on Saturday, so this initiative was specifically made to supplement that. 

Ralitsa Motsa, a Wits Red Bull representative said, “Today we came in to give the people that are participating in physical activities a boost of energy.”  

Avela Sisilana, the organizer of the tournament and member of the runners club closed the day thanking everyone, adding that “today was not about the trophy, not about the touch neither the Avitality brand, this is about the community, about the people, we [are] trying to bring unity by inspiring other people with what we doing here, to have fun whilst giving back to the less fortunate.” 

The club is looking forward to more community outreach activities. Their next initiative is due to happen late this year in September. They are still open for collections from any people who are interested in donating.