A father and son happy to go the extra mile for unemployed youth. © Mr Price Foundation / Pierre Tostee
WE EXTEND a mighty big ‘thank you!” to everyone who jumped in to support the 2022 JumpStart Challenge. At the close of the event on 20 March, the Challenge had raised over R600 000 and attracted almost 700 entries.
We could not have achieved these numbers without the support of each participant; as well as from our incredible partners: SPAR, Absa, Mr Price Sport, City Logistics, FineLine Technologies, Expandasign, CMH Ballito, Garmin and Easy2Access.
From boardwalks to the bush, participants walked, ran or cycled for a single purpose: to help SA’s youth break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Families, friends and fur-babies joined CEOs, sporting personalities, corporates and event ambassadors to make each step count.
“Thank you, one and all, for accepting the Challenge. Every rand raised will be directed to upskilling and empowering our youth,” said Karen Wells, head of Mr Price Foundation.
Originally known as the Ride for Mr Price Foundation – a gruelling 606km two-day cycle from Secunda to Durban – the Challenge transitioned into a virtual walk/run/ride in 2020 due to Covid.
With the easing of lockdown regulations, 2022 presented the opportunity for our first hybrid event. This offered the choice to take part physically or virtually.
The big physical event on 13 March at Holla Trails in Sugar Rush Park, Ballito, was an awesome morning under blue skies. A refreshment station with chilled water bottles, energy drinks and energy bars – as well as a coffee station – was provided by Mr Price Sport; while SPAR presented a superb station with Sola sunblock and GO Energy drinks.
Expandasign added great presence to the event with massive start and finish arches and printed bibs; and the bright finish-line branding of SPAR, Absa and Mr Price Sport offered cheer to many tired athletes.
The City Logistics team could not be missed, with their well-branded gazebo packed with enthusiastic colleagues and families.
CMH Ballito and Garmin sponsored the medics and two awesome Garmin watches: a Garmin Forerunner 45 and a Garmin Edge 130 Plus. These were won by cyclists Toni Pedro and Pieter Burger.
When it comes to the virtual Challenge, both individuals and corporate teams really embraced the Challenge. We enjoyed a brilliant turn-out from SPAR and Miladys. Other trading divisions from Mr Price Group, including Yuppiechef, Power Fashion, Mr Price Sport and Mr Price, also rose to the challenge.
A special thank you goes to Easy2Access for developing our nimble website; and to East Coast Radio for going the extra mile to promote the Challenge.
You are all amazing! Thank you for doing your bit for unemployed youth.
If you took part in the Challenge, please tag us in your pics and hashtag #JustStart #JumpStartChallenge
For more images, go to Mr Price Foundation’s Facebook gallery.
