Botswana Railways fundraises for needy family

Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Monday April 28, 2014 11:16

 

Over and above the accommodation problem, the Palla-road family struggles with basic necessities such as food and other everyday needs that lead to a dignified lifestyle, according to the findings by the BR team that assessed the situation.

Kefilwe Batsalelwang the PR & Marketing manager at BR says the family of seven currently live in a one roomed shelter hence her company’s initiative to embark on a fund raising venture to enable the family acquire descent housing.

Batsalelwang says it is the BR’s policy to reach out to disadvantaged communities within the 50 kms radius of the railway catchment area.

Batsalelwang says the BR has decided to fundraise and erect a two bedroomed house for the family, estimated to cost P90,000.

The fundraising effort was kicked into action on Sunday with a well-attended 106 kms charity cycling event from Mahalapye to Shoshong and back, in an effort to raise funds for this noble initiative. Amongst the participating teams at the Sunday event were, Morupule, Tsela Ryders, MVA Fund Cycling Club, Morula and many others who  came in their numbers in support of the BR event.

According to the BR spokesperson fundraising through cycling was also motivated by the company’s recognition of sports and recreation in both the employee’s wellbeing and contribution to sports development in the country.

Today, BR’s Botrail Cycling Club has attracted 50 cyclists whose core objective is to promote cycling as a safe and fun sporting code that improves health, she reveals.

“There have been positives associated with the club and these include the creation of enjoyable, competitive and well-co-ordinated cycling programmes,” noted Batsalelwang.

Since its inception, the Botrail Cycling Club has participated in both charitable and competitive events registering a few wins to its name in the process.

They recently scopped the first prize and  a trophy at the Builders World Botswana Classic 2014.