06 December 2016: 32 boxing fanatics and wannabe boxers – across all ages – recently took to the ring in the inaugural Fight to Feed charity boxing event which saw enough funds being raised to feed an entire class of 35 children breakfast and lunch daily for a year.
Hosted by local Sea Point gym, Mojo Boxing & Fitness, the event partnered with the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) – an organisation which works to combat the prevalence of hunger in children attending schools, a common occurrence in many school across South Africa.
Owner of Mojo Boxing & Fitness, Joseph Chinana, says that through the 220 tickets sales, as well as a cash donation from Eden Island Development Company, the target of feeding a classroom of children for a year through this one event, was achieved.
The school benefiting from the Fight to Feed event proceeds is St Paul’s Primary School in the Bo Kaap (Cape Town).
“This cause is close to my heart,” says Chinana. “Many children across the country attend school without one nutritious meal the whole day. Without this, they aren’t able to focus at school or develop mentally and physical.”
He adds that as boxing is both physically and mentally demanding, the idea to use the sport’s growing presence to give back to the local community was developed. “Boxing has been one the most side-lined fitness trends but is fast growing in popularity in South Africa as a non-mainstream friendly fitness exercise. We wanted to channel some of this passion to a worthy cause.”
Since 1958, PSFA has served over 1.5 billion balanced, nutritious meals to hungry school children, and currently provides daily meals to over 28 000 children at 155 schools.
Local brands donating to make the night a success include Brendan Murray – the MC for the evening, Mandy van der Berg – responsible for coordinating the event, Cipla Nutrition – for providing prizes to the brave individuals stepping into the ring and H2coco water who donated stock to keep the fighters refreshed during the night. A lucky draw also took place on the night with prizes from Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, 81 Church Street (ASH Restaurant,Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, Publik Wine Bar), Good Luck and Hi-Tec South Africa.
To donate directly to PSFA or host a fundraising event, please contact Charles Grey on charles@psfa.org.za. PSFA directs 100% of all donations towards the direct cost of school feeding, and all donations tax deductible.
