The ultramarathon athlete Bennie Roux (41) kicked off his running project over 250 km through the Free State in Villiers today at 07:00. Roux and other athletes covered a distance of 42 km today and ended in Frankfort. These athletes run to the benefit of AfriForum’s Trauma Support Unit in support of victims of violence – especially victims of farm attacks and murders.
“The pain and sadness that go with farm murders became a reality for me when people close to me became part of these horrific statistics. The victims that remain behind after such a tragedy are therefore close to my heart. I believe that creating awareness is the only way in which we can focus attention on farm attacks and force the government to do more to protect our farmers. I hope to make a difference in the lives of victims with this project,” Roux says.
“The Trauma Support Unit hopes that AfriForum members and supports will sponsor Roux generously per kilometre or make any other donation to support victims. The more funds we collect, the more we can do to help victims. Farm attacks and murders constitute a crisis that affects us all, because we are all dependent on farmers,” says Johan Kloppers, #RunforHope Spokesperson for AfriForum’s Trauma Support Unit.
The #RunforHope route is as follows:
- 22 October: Roux starts off in Villiers and takes on the dirt road to Frankfort. At 13:30 he will host a coin-laying ceremony at the Hoërskool Wilgerivier in Frankfort.
- 23 October: He starts at the Frankfort Golf Club and runs to Reitz. Roux will host a coin-laying ceremony at the Hoërskool Reitz at 13:30.
- 24 October: He sets out from Hoërskool Reitz towards Bethlehem. He will host a coin-laying ceremony at the Bethlehem Christian Centre at 17:00.
- 25 October: Roux starts at Lavender Hill on the N5 and runs to Fouriesburg. A colour run will be held at 12:00 at the Fouriesburg Intermediate School.
- 26 October: He sets out from Fouriesburg and end the day at the Rose Festival at Oranje Guest Farm.
You can also support the project:
- A donation: Donate an amount per km (50c, R1, R5, R100 and so forth: 50c per km amounts to R125, for example).
- Donations can be made to the victim fund at:
Beneficiary: AfriForum NPC
Bank: FNB
Account number: 623 498 983 98
Branch: Centurion
Branch code: 261-550
Reference: Run for Hope
The Trauma Support Unit offers a very unique, personal service to victims of violent crime – especially victims of farm attacks. The unit was established in 2015 and has since grown due to the increase in crime and especially farm attacks. The unit has already supported 238 people, of whom 38 were children. The unit also provides food to poor victims and offers support with, for example, basic medical challenges, the provision of clothing, support during court proceedings, the taking down of affidavits and, in certain cases, the necessary psychological support.
Contact trauma@antiek.afriforum.co.za for more information.
