It’s once again that time of the year when the KFC Ironman 4 the Kidz charity is able to spread hope to the children of the Eastern Cape. After a sterling effort from sponsors, athletes and the public the charity is proud to be handing over a total of R310 000 to its East London beneficiaries for 2013.

Now in its third year in East London, the charity has raised funds through a combined effort from 28 sponsors, 40 athletes competing in their red KFC Ironman 4 the Kidz race kit and the public’s contribution through the Track an Athlete donations.

Last year the total amount raised in East London was R270 000, this year totalling R310 000 for its East London beneficiaries, Salem Baby Centre and Child Welfare East London. The much needed financial boost assists the beneficiaries in a variety of ways with Salem Bay Centre using the funds to improve their current security, make renovations to the existing facility as well as considering a holiday school in conjunction with Child Welfare East London.

The charity, founded by Garth Wright and Gary Stephenson, continues to strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of less fortunate children not only through financial means but also through offering hope and positivity through its association with an event such as IRONMAN 70.3 South Africa.

It is through the selflessness and dedication of companies and individuals that the KFC Ironman 4 the Kidz charity is able to provide a glimmer of hope to the children in the East London region. The charity is therefore very grateful to all the valued sponsors for their contribution and willingness to be involved in the initiative, to the athletes for their sacrifice and being beacons of inspiration and to the public for their support through donations and for using the Track an Athlete service. 

Khayelethu Youth Centre is a home that seeks to rehabilitate street children and is one of the beneficiaries of the Ironman 4 the Kidz charity run by Wright Surveillance Directors Garth Wright and Gary Stephenson. Until recently the home was based in Central, Port Elizabeth.

Largely thanks to the funding received from the Ironman for the Kidz, Khayelethu was able to purchase a new facility located on a large plot of land in Kragga Kamma (an outer suburbs of Port Elizabeth). This provides an ideal  environment where the children are far removed from any potential negative influences, and will be able to thrive under the dedicated and committed care they receive from the home's staff.

Boys from the home have excelled in Karate, and there are now 8 children that have achieved black belt status.