EXTREME open water and ice swimmer Ryan Stramrood, partnering with Snow World Grand West and Little Fighters Cancer Trust, hosted a blanket drive yesterday for International Nelson Mandela Day.
The drive kicked off exactly 46664 seconds before International Nelson Mandela Day began today with a motivational talk from Stramrood.
Little Fighters Cancer Trust is a childhood cancer charity and support organisation which relies on donations and sponsorship to aid young cancer sufferers.
Stramrood and the trust hope to collect 670 blankets for young cancer sufferers who live in impoverished areas.
People who donated blankets yesterday were given free entry to Stramrood’s motivational talk and could frolic in the “snow”.
Stramrood said he became involved because he hoped to raise awareness and support for young cancer patients.
“Cancer is very close to my heart and important to me as my mother passed away from the disease.
“I also have a child and I wanted to give back and raise awareness for these children suffering from cancer,” said Stramrood.
If invited but unable to participate in the annual Freedom swim, said Stramrood, this was a way to aid the trust and the little fighters.
Little Fighters Cancer Trust spokeswoman Mandi Erasmus said they received no government funding and relied on donations.
“Blankets donated would go to children and also enable us to help children and use our funding in other areas.
“We aid about 1 500 children and hope to reach about 670 blankets, which will go to areas where we have not had support in the country,” said Erasmus.
You can donate to the Little Fighters Cancer Trust by visiting their website, www.littlefighters.org.za or call 021 863 0249.