Saturday, 1 November 2014
Greetings from Ushuaia
The big day has finally arrived. The countdown to Antarctica is over.
In a few hours our ship departs for Antarctica and on Tuesday, 4 November 2014, I will start running the Last Desert Race, a grueling 250km footrace through the snow and cold of Antarctica.
If you are still wondering why am I doing this, let me remind you.
It is not only about the personal challenge associated with participation in this race, but to raise awareness about critical issues which impact all of us.
I am fundraising R250 000 that will go towards a Greenpeace Africa solar street lighting project in Diepsloot, a township north of Johannesburg. The project will create a sense of community safety and empower people living in an area without electricity.
There is a bigger story behind all of this.
I am running this race to represent communities like Witbank, Mpumalanga, that have the world’s dirtiest air; children like Ntokozo who have become vulnerable to this dirty air; parents like Hannelie whose son is in and out of the hospital due to health problems, and I am especially running this race for you.
I’d like to open your eyes to the reality and dangers associated with coal power. According to Greenpeace’s research, air pollution from Eskom’s coal-fired power plants is currently causing an estimated 2,200 premature deaths a year in South Africa. This includes approximately 200 deaths of young children every year.
I am therefore advocating for use of renewable energy, specifically solar which South Africa has an abundance of. Stand with me and let’s do more than talk about the problem, let’s be active in finding solutions.
Please support my cause, make a donation and join the energy revolution now.
Time to go see the penguins!
David
NB. To follow my progress during the race, click here for all the links and information.