REDLANDS and Bayside residents are set to dive in for a cause this Saturday with a community swim-a-thon raising funds for children in Kenya.
The Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside is supporting a group of locals who will take to the lanes of the Cleveland Aquatic Centre Pool on September 20 to help fund a new biodigester septic tank for Sunrise of Africa School in Nairobi.
The tank will adjoin the school’s shower and toilet block, enabling the re-use and recycling of precious water resources.
Rotarian Gordon Lawrence said he hoped the event would inspire strong community participation, particularly from younger people.
“This is a community event, and we want people to be a part of it,” he said.
“We have been running these swim-a-thons for a few years now and I have never seen anyone walk away sad.
“We extend an invitation to anyone wanting to get involved.
“They can have some fun and raise money along the way.”
Mr Lawrence said he felt it was important for young people to understand the value of giving.
He first learned about Sunrise of Africa School through his friendship with Thornlands resident Michelle Maher, whose family founded the school 20 years ago.
The school, which began with three students in a tin hut, now educates about 450 students, with enrolments expected to grow by another 50 next year.
“The children at Sunrise of Africa School really appreciate this opportunity to receive a good education as they see it as a way out of poverty,” Ms Maher said.
“They can’t wait to come to school every day, and visitors always comment on how happy and eager to learn the children are.”
This will be the second consecutive year Rotary has organised the swim-a-thon for the school.
Last year’s efforts helped fund the recycling of water from the kitchen onto the school’s vegetable farm.
“The water purification system at Sunrise of Africa School is one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve been involved in,” Mr Lawrence said.
Ms Maher said she would be among the swimmers on September 20, alongside others from Rotary, IGA Cleveland and the wider community.
“I hope to swim 50 lengths,” she said.
“There is another swimmer who is going to do 200 lengths, the equivalent of 10km, so this isn’t too much by comparison.”
Children in Kenya are also expected to take part in the fundraising effort by “buddying up” to run laps around the perimeter of the school.
Mr Lawrence said his personal goal was 100 laps, but he would let his body decide on the day.
Mr Lawrence is also preparing to make his second visit to the school on September 25.
“It was a life changer for me to see those kids,” he said.
“The school is a beacon in the middle of a low-income area.
“It is an amazing place that completely captivated me.”
More information about the swim-a-thon and how to make a tax-deductible donation via Rotary is available at sunriseofafrica.com.
Enquiries can be made to Michelle Maher on 0403 884 162.
