Just Running Athletics Club runs spend time and donates groceries worth R3000 at Little Gems

In the spirit of staying true to JRAC’s commitment of running for those who can’t and serving communities with willpower, courage and determination, on the 31st of August 2019, some of JRAC runners opted out of their traditional “long runs which normally takes place on Saturdays. Instead they spent quality time interacting with children and young adults at Little Gems, making beaded necklaces, jumping at trampolines with the children and generally having a good time with everyone at this home.

Little Gems is a specialized home, based in Bedford view in Gauteng area that provides, residential/boarding and respite care for children and young Adults with learning and physical disabilities. The Home is open all year round and offer places to children and young adults, with complex needs, also known as special needs, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome including severe and complex learning difficulties, language and communication impairments e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Behaviour Disturbance.

The day started with structured Programme with “our Queen and friend of JRAC Goma” who also lives with cerebral palsy opening with a prayer. Also, in attendance was princess Zee who was happy to share the stage with her. The chair of the club Mandla made special note by emphasizing the commendable work that Little Gems is doing by giving words of gratitude before handing over JRAC’s contributions. "We are eternally grateful to Little Gems for trusting us enough for this interaction with the kids and we hope to continue to support any organization that are driven by need to make a positive change to the society”. The day also became successful awareness and information sharing session as JRAC runners learnt more about the disabilities that the home caters for and the impactful work they do.

Perhaps if you want to skip those “Saturday long run’, this might be a place for you, do check them out: https://www.little-gems.co.za/ The kids love visitors and the home is in never in enough supply of non-perishable foods. Let’s run for a purpose.!

JRAC’S work on impactful giving will continue with more initiatives currently being planned.

by Akhona Ntsele