GEORGE NEWS - The annual RUN2RAISE brought big smiles to the faces of many, especially to one of the main beneficiaries, Ronaldinho Davidson from Rosedale. 

Ronaldinho has received financial support for his running prosthesis from the annual event since 2017.

He was nominated as beneficiary by Mike Barkley and Allen Oates of Barkley Oates Inc, which together with Nedbank Running Club and ASWD sponsors the fundraiser to support children with special needs. The event was started in 2016 by Elna Schwartz, who remains the driving force and main organiser.

Ronhaldino's first prosthetic running blade was funded by the proceeds of the 2017/2018 events. This blade was however destroyed when his family home in Rosedale burned down in December 2019. Össur, the company that manufactures Ronaldinho's blades, partly sponsored his new running blade which he received on 10 June this year as RUN2RAISE did not take place in 2020.

This year RUN2RAISE took place virtually in May. Despite attracting a smaller number of participants than hoped, Schwartz said an impressive R7 529,03 could be paid into the Barkley Oates trust account after the event to help Ronaldinho.

Funds left from the 2019 event will also be used to replace the "knee part" on his normal prosthetic leg, and the balance will cover the maintenance for at least a whole year.

Schwartz extended thanks to "each and every one who took part in this unique event to help a child to run". There were plenty of lucky draws and the main one, a NutriBullet in the entry with donation category, was won by Nicola Strauss. The most awesome lucky draws are the teddy bears with running blades, which have become a RUN2RAISE icon.

Anyone who would like to get involved in preparation for the 2022 event can contact Schwartz on 044 884 0144 or send an e-mail to elna.schwartz@avisbudget.co.za.

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