Econorisk and Watershed have teamed up once again, this time to raise money for the Breatheasy Tracheostomy and Ventilation Homecare Programme and the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.  

On 24 November at 19h00 South African music sensation, Watershed, will take to the stage at the Rockwell Hotel theatre to perform for this life-changing charitable initiative made possible by Econorisk, a leading short-term insurance brokerage.  

Developed by Sister Jane Booth, the Breatheasy Programme provides parents of children reliant on tracheostomy or artificial ventilation for breathing, with the tools and skills needed to enable their children to enjoy life at home, surrounded by their families, rather than in hospital.  

Steven Hall, who brought the Breatheasy Programme to the attention of Brett Schultz, Director at Econorisk, explains how the event came about: "As a way of saying thank you for the care my mother received in hospital before she passed away, I wanted to find a cause which I could support - paying it forward, by raising awareness for an organisation helping the community and those in need. That is when I came across the Breatheasy Programme for children in South Africa whose lives are affected by breathing complications.  

"I decided to take part in half and full ironman events to create an even greater awareness of the Breatheasy Programme and their challenges and to raise funding for them. When I approached Brett he was immediately on board.  He shares a passion for sport, and wanting to make a difference for those in need. Econorisk sponsored my entry fees for the 70.3 season, but Brett also wanted to get other companies involved. His vision was to create an event in which we could platform the Breatheasy Programme to create more awareness, as well as establish additional fundraising opportunities. That is how the concert with Watershed came about."  

Not only is the Breatheasy Programme supporting the community and changing lives, but it is also a good fit with Econorisk’s brand values, as Brett explains:   

“At Econorisk, we pride ourselves on providing holistic insurance solutions to clients, giving them peace of mind and the reassurance that they are covered in case of any unwelcome future events ... thereby helping them breathe a little easier. I therefore knew immediately that the Breatheasy Programme was the right initiative for Econorisk to back.  

“I have known Craig Hinds for many years and, having worked with Watershed on a previous Econorisk fundraiser event in 2014 in support of up and coming South African Paralympic hopeful, Nicole Sanders, I approached him with the idea of another concert, which he wholeheartedly supported. And so the planning began.”  

The Breatheasy with Econorisk fundraiser concert with Watershed takes place on 24 November 2016 at 18.30 for 19h00 at the Rockwell Hotel theatre in Greenpoint, Cape Town. Proceeds raised will be used to purchase vital medical equipment such as ventilators, suction machines and humidifiers for the Programme that has been caring for children with a wide range of respiratory disorders for over two decades.    

“I believe that many South Africans have the desire to make a positive difference in others lives, but don’t always know how to,” says Steven. “Through this platform, we are giving people the opportunity to make this difference – and to have a good time whilst doing so.”  

Brett concludes: “Whilst it may come naturally to many of us, for some the simple act of breathing is sadly difficult or even impossible. Econorisk is incredibly proud to support the Breatheasy Programme and we invite companies and individuals to enjoy the sounds of Watershed for this life-changing cause.”  

Visit the QUICKET ticket line: http://qkt.io/econorisk-breatheasy to book your tickets for the Breatheasy with Econorisk concert with Watershed, 24 November 2016, 18.30 for 19h00, the Rockwell Hotel theatre, De Waterkant Village, Greenpoint, Cape Town. Tickets cost R650 per person, inclusive of a three course meal. Cash bar available. Alcohol will not be served to persons under the age of 18. Proof of age may be required. Tickets are limited so don't delay.    

Join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ec_breatheasy 

Like and share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecbreatheasy/ 

- Ends -  

Press enquiries contact:  

Georgina Swain:
Email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Mobile: 076 349 4065   

Images available upon request.  

About the sponsor:  

Econorisk

Econorisk is a leading independent insurance broking business focusing on commercial and corporate insurance and providing speciality and niche insurance and risk management solutions to companies. The company has also developed expertise in domestic insurance especially to high net-worth individuals. For more information, visit www.econorisk.co.za  

Event supported by:  

Watershed Watershed is one of the most popular music exports our Rainbow Nation has to offer. For more information, visit www.watershed.co.za  

Striped Horse Craft beer. For more information, visit www.stripedhorse.co.za    

Jetline Jetline is a cutting edge on-demand printing company providing advanced print and design solutions. With branches nationwide, Jetline serves the general public, small, medium and large businesses and government institutions. The vast range of products and services offered include: graphic design, full colour and black & white printing, corporate stationery, document duplication and binding (large quantities), PhotoBooks, banners and signs, posters, vinyl and contravision, vehicle branding, website design and much, much more! For further information, visit: www.jetline.co.za  

The Rockwell The Rockwell is a 4 star hotel in Cape Town, situated in the trendy De Waterkant Village in Greenpoint, near the V&A Waterfront. For more information, visit: www.rockwellhotel.co.za  

Flagstone Flagstone is a small but frequently awarded winery with a selection of wines built around winemaker Bruce Jack's philosophy of hand-crafted wine-making. For more information, visit: www.flagstonewines.com  

Tangent Marketing Marketing and event management. For more information, contact: Julia Ledingham +27 (82) 8876376   

On September 25, 2016, David Barnard will take on the Grand to Grand Ultra in honor of the END Fund and the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa. By participating in this extreme multi-stage race, David has committed himself to raising awareness and funds to help the over 1.6 billion people worldwide whose lives are affected by NTDs.  

The Grand to Grand Ultra is a six-stage, 273 km race held in vicinity of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon, in the United States. David, a well-known South African tech and development activist and Africa Policy Advisory Board member of the ONE Campaign, is no stranger to extreme multi-stage races of this nature. He has already completed races in the Kalahari, Namib, Sahara, Gobi and Atacama deserts, as well as Antarctica. This will be his first race in North America and the fifth leg of his quest to complete a desert race on all seven continents.  

“Running the Grand to Grand Ultra is more than just trying to finish another desert race. My participation in these races provides me with an opportunity to support causes and campaigns dedicated to development issues in Africa and making a difference in society,” David said. “For this adventure, my aim is to raise funds for the END Fund, promote its work, and contribute to increased public understanding of NTDs and their devastating impact, especially in Africa.”  

Many parts of the world still reel from the health and socio-economic impacts that are caused by these diseases of neglect. Five of the most common NTDs, and ones the END Fund focuses on, include trachoma, river blindness, schistosomiasis, intestinal worms, and lymphatic filariasis. While they may not cause immediate deaths like more globally known diseases such as malaria or HIV, they leave long-lasting devastation like disabilities, stunt education and economic growth, and create other health problems that can lead to death.  

As David embarks on his seven-day race at the end of this month, all funds raised will go towards END Fund initiatives in Africa.  

# Links:

David’s fundraising page: http://goo.gl/FopK9u

David’s blog: https://desert2desert4socialcauses.wordpress.com/

END Fund: http://www.end.org/

Grand to Grand Ultra: http://www.g2gultra.com/home

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About the END Fund  

The END Fund, founded in 2012, is a private philanthropic initiative to end the five most common NTDs. It advocates for innovative, integrated and cost-effective NTD programmes; facilitates strong partnerships with the private sector; and supports 20 national control programmes on the African continent.  

The END Fund has raised over $50 million to treat people at risk of NTDs. In sub-Saharan Africa, the organisation has supported partners to distribute over $300 million worth of treatment to nearly 59 million people at risk of NTDs and train more than 247,000 health workers and officials in NTD prevention, control and treatment strategies.  

The END Fund is poised to scale this work with additional investment.  

About the Five Most Common NTDs in sub-Saharan Africa  

Lymphatic filariasis (LF or elephantiasis) is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes that affects the lymph nodes and often causes enlargement of body parts, such as the limbs and genitals.  

Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is a parasitic worm infection, transmitted through the bites of infected black flies, that causes massive damage to skin and eyes.  

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a parasitic disease carried by fresh water snails that can cause major damage to the urinary and digestive tracts.  

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH or intestinal worms) are intestinal infections caused by parasitic worms. They are most common in children and can cause serious physical, nutritional and cognitive impairments. Intestinal worms are the most common NTD worldwide.  

Trachoma is a contagious bacterial eye infection that can lead to inflammation and the development of scar tissue on the eyes. It is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness.  

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# For interviews with David Barnard about the Grand to Grand Ultra and his support for the END Fund:  

David Barnard

Mobile: +27 82 870 8968

Skype: dbarnard23

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/david_barnard  

# For more information about the END Fund:  

Yayne Hailu

External Relations

External Relations Associate

The END Fund

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

http://www.end.org/

New e-Book Launch – Long Walk For Nothing by Dominic L Miller

One British man’s extraordinary 765km walk across South Africa in an ostrich costume

Following the release of the humorous new e-book, Long Walk for Nothing (click for Kindle page), Dominic L Miller will be in South Africa for promotional purposes from 17th to 24th September 2016 and available for interview during this time. As well as detailing his experience from start to finish, central to this unique story are the numerous acts of kindness by normal everyday South Africans. The book rightly acknowledges each and every one. The S.A.P.S in particular, contrary to continual headlines regarding brutality and corruption, were more than agreeable in providing lifts to a British fancy-dress fundraiser.

The walk generated continued press coverage throughout, featuring on e.TV national news (click for footage), four appearances on 567 Cape Talk radio station (click for press coverage page) in addition to national and regional newspapers. You have probably read Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom. Now you can read about Dominic L Miller’s 765km Long Walk For Nothing from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town in South Africa. That’s 18 marathons in 35 painfully unsupported days while wearing an ostrich costume.

This feel-good story about South Africa has initially been published in e-book format before offering a Print-On-Demand option in the near future. Dominic L Miller lived for a total of nine years in South Africa, so his book paints a positive and accurate picture of modern day South Africa. The reviews the book has received to date attest to this.

Complimentary copies furnished upon request

***

Mr Dominic L Miller - Website: https://www.dominiclmiller.com - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: +31 (0)644329803

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg Hosts First Annual Run For Hope Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg hosts its first annual Run For Hope, to benefit CHOC, Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa - Sunday, 11 September in Westcliff.

Runners and walkers have options of a 5km or 7.5 km route.

• Adult's 5 km Run / Walk - R150 per person or
• Adult's 7.5 Run / Walk - R195 per person and includes a Run For Hope t-shirt and goodie bag.

Pancake Breakfast - R55 per person (to be served after the race).

You don't need to partake to get involved! Raise the most money for CHOC and win an unforgettable 4 nights stay for two at the 5-star Four Seasons Mauritius, Seychelles or Serengeti properties.

Visit www.westcliffrunforhope.co.za for further information, booking and even donations!

KWAZULU-NATAL, PIETERMARITZBURG, 10 June 2016 – The Cascades Lifestyle Centre is pulling out all the stops for well-known NPO ‘The COWS’ as its Pietermaritzburg’s venue to hold the 2016 ‘100 Miles of Nowhere’ annual cyclethon to raise funds for their CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation, happening on 24^th of June 2016.

Says Lynda Lees, Consultant to Cascades Lifestyle Centre, “Cascades Lifestyle Centre is very happy to support this important COWS initiative for the CHOC foundation. We encourage Martizburg residents and cyclists to come out in full force to the centre on the 24^th June from 2pm to support this international challenge. Many of our retailers are supporting this initiative.”

Supported by Cadence Cycling Performance Centres around the country, the Pietermaritzburg Cadence Performance Centre, which recently moved into the Cascades Centre Business Park (Nedbank building), is supplying the Cascades Centre with 20 of their new stationary bikes and monitoring equipment.

This year, the cyclethon of 100 miles (160km) aims to raise R250 000 for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation, and is open to everyone. The distance can be completed as a team of one cyclist, two or four cyclists. However the team is made up, the distance must be completed on the Cadence Performance Centre stationary bikes.

Says Tessa Hesse, Manager of the Pietermaritzburg Cadence Performance Centre, “The 100 Miles of Nowhere Challenge is a great event that we’re proud to be supporting. We will be transporting 20 of our new stationary bikes and equipment to the Cascades Centre ready for set up and cycling. It’s a fun, family-orientated event that the whole community gets behind, and we want to thank the Cascades Centre for hosting the event.”

As part of the fundraiser, cyclists pay an entry fee donation of R1 000 for a solo rider, R600 per rider for teams of two, and R350 per rider for teams of four, and are also encouraged to get their friends, family and colleagues to sponsor them per km or to complete the distance, all of which goes directly to CHOC.

The 100 Miles of Nowhere concept is now an international fundraising initiative that was unintentionally started by Eldon Nelson, an American blogger who owns the www.fatcyclist.com blog.

The cyclethon will be hosted at eight Cadence Performance Centres based in Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, and all centres will run the cyclethon simultaneously on 24 June from 2pm - 7 pm.

To enter the 2016 100 Miles of Nowhere, visit Cascades Cadence at the Cascades Centre Business Park or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To find out more about the event and how you can get involved in other ways, go to the 100 Miles of Nowhere website here or like them on Facebook here.

Editors Notes
For more information please contact Tessa Hesse at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About 100 Miles of Nowhere
In 2008, American blogger Eldon Nelson did the first 100 Miles of Nowhere in his garage as a personal challenge to support his ailing wife whilst she was being treated for cancer. The idea was to reach 100 miles in the most mind-numbing way to pay respect to the mind-numbing and painful repetition of unpleasant cancer treatments like chemotherapy. His blog followers loved the concept, and wanted to join him, and so it grew into a worldwide initiative to raise funds for cancer.

In 2011, The Cows, which is a NPO that continuously raises funds and awareness for CHOC by taking part in various sports events in their infamous black and white spotted cow suits, launched the first 100 Miles of Nowhere event in South Africa. Back then only 10 cyclists took part.

In 2015, over 300 cyclists across KwaZulu-Natal raised a total of R160 000 for CHOC. This was used to fund a ‘CHOC Block’ at the paediatric oncology unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban. The CHOC Block provides a private rooming-in facility for a child with cancer, and their care-giver, during their often lengthy treatments. Each room costs R150 a day to run, which includes two meals a day for the child and carer, and laundry facilities.

Habitat for Humanity welcomed its International Board of Directors, comprising delegates from over 70 countries, to Cape Town, their chosen venue for the 2015 Annual General Meeting.  

The AGM coincided with Habitat for Humanity’s Desmond Tutu International Build in Pelican Park in Zeekoevlei. Through partnership with The Power Group, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government, Habitat drew teams both locally and from the USA to help build homes and the community of Pelican Park.  

On Wednesday 4 March, the Directors enjoyed a full day out in Pelican Park, guided by John Bailey, chairman of the Pelican Park Owners Association, itself borne out of the support of Habitat and its partners. Specific challenges highlighted on the day included the urgent need for more schooling, the integration of individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds into a cohesive community, and the eradication of crime and drug abuse.  

The Directors met with local families and community leaders. They were able to witness, visit and learn first-hand about some of the solutions and projects Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the community and other stakeholder partners  are rolling out around Pelican Park, such as:  

1. The “Garden of Eden”, a hydroponic food garden project allowing community members to grow fresh vegetables within a minimal space.
2. The Nedbank Foundation EduTainer, a well-stocked ‘instant classroom’ for use as a daycare for 27 children, which came about after Nedbank representatives saw the need for such a facility while participating in a Habitat Team Build, pulled the necessary resources together and made it a reality The collaboration between Habitat for Humanity, the City of Cape Town, and the Pelican Park Owners Association around making the Zeekoevlei Wetlands Nature Reserve into a conservation and recreation destination for local families.
3. The Pelican Park Neighbourhood Watch’s work in reducing crime and assisting addicts enter rehabilitation programmes.
4. A series of workshops operated through Habitat for Humanity’s Social Facilitation Programme, to assist new home owners moving into the area to integrate into the community.  
5. This Social Facilitation Programme allows Habitat to bring about sustainable change in the lives of the new homeowners, instilling a sense of ownership to establishing a cohesive and vibrant new community.  

John Bailey told the group, “Habitat for Humanity is not just a shoulder for us to lean on, but a brother and sister to partner with. We are so grateful for their dedication and input into the community.”   For more information about Habitat for Humanity, or to get involved, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021-657-5640.

Ends.  

Issued on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Contact: Adrienne Burke

Tel: +27.21.657.5640
Cell: +27.79.155.8404
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Santa's Story, a theatre fundraiser for street children in need of trauma therapy Santa's Story, Aviva Pelham's beautiful and uplifting one-woman musical revue about her mother, Santa Erder, is coming to Theatre on the Bay in February 2015.

Thanks to Aviva's generous support, opening night, Tuesday, 3 February 2015,  is a theatre fundraiser. The money raised will be used to put (at least) 14 Cape Town street children through a drama therapy programme with Zakheni Arts Therapy Foundation. Your R200 ticket includes a welcome drink, the 75 minute show and heaps of gratitude from the fundraising team! For bookings, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 081 243 4771

Please see the attached flyer for more information on the show that has toured Germany, Finland and will soon be seen in New York.