Stellenbosch University
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SU's movers, shakers and spinners heed the #Move4Food call
Author: Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni
Published: 25/09/2018

They were spinning, cycling, walking and running... Stellenbosch University (SU) students, staff and alumni have come out in full support of the student-led #Move4Food campaign - raising close to one million rand in cash and donations thus far.

This initiative aims to raise R10 million (cash and goods) in 100 days to ensure that for the next three years, no SU student will have to study on an empty stomach.

"The response has been phenomenal," says Karen Bruns, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations at SU. "We are so grateful to everyone who has decided to #Move4Food and we urge others to take up the challenge to help our students reach their R10 million target."

Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor showed his support for this campaign by running the full Sanlam Cape Town Marathon of 42.2km in a time of 4:16:16 on Sunday. Prof De Villiers, who has raised almost R128 000 thus far, was one of 110 staff members, alumni, students and friends of the University who registered for various races hosted by the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as part of the #Move4Food campaign.

"We are proud to be led by a man who'll go 42.2kms and more to raise money for hungry students," Bruns adds.

While some ran the marathon, alumni, staff and students also did other things since the launch of this campaign on 20 August. Alumnus, Folkers Tullki-Williams, based in Helsinki, hiked the 375km across Estonia to raise R10 000 for #Move4Food, becoming the first South African to complete this hike. 

Staff member, Desmond Thompson, did the Coast2Karoo Cycle Race - completing it in 5:23 for #Move4Food. Thompson reported that he had “plenty to be grateful for - no falls and no punctures".

Last week students staged an awareness-raising 24-hour spin-a-thon on 12 stationary bikes in the Neelsie Student Centre. They cycled over 8 000 kilometres throughout the day and night, with music, energy and passion. This event drew attention to the huge lunchbox created by Engineers Without Borders Maties, a student society made up of 2nd and 3rd year engineering students.

A total of 15 095 items of non-perishable food were deposited into the lunchbox over the 24 hours - exceeding the target of 15 000 food items. A major contribution of 10 800 meals delivered by the PPS Foundation helped to further boost the collection, along with a significant contribution of products by the Spar franchise in the Neelsie.

According to Cheryl Benadie, Donor Relations Manager at SU, the #Move4Food movement is creating unity amongst our student body. “As this campaign evolves, it is inspiring to see Maties gain a greater understanding of the silent struggles faced by fellow students – and their dedication and passion to do something about it is contagious."

Benadie says the food items will be distributed by the social workers on our Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. “This will offer a welcome respite as the limited students' NSFAS funds tend to have run out by the start of the fourth term, causing poor exam performance and prompting dropping out of their programmes by food insecure young people from financially stressed households".

On 22 September, the Maties Equestrian Club rode through Stellenbosch, handing out pamphlets and raising awareness about #Move4Food. They are also going to grow vegetables using their energy and inexhaustible supply of horse-produced fertiliser to contribute to the cause.

A Residence Rugby Derby and residence LevelUp Dance4Food video challenges were further activities in the Move4Food student campaigning.

"Our students have spent months bringing this campaign to life and I am proud that the Development and Alumni Relations Division has been able to support them in doing so," says Bruns.

"The fundraising challenge is now out there, our first million rand in cash and in donations has been raised. We'd really like to raise nine million more!"

Bruns says challenges have been put to alumni in Asia, Europe, the UK, and the Americas. "We still have a very ambitious target to reach, so get on board! Whether you run, spin, dance, surf or donate your lunch money, you can still #Move4Food."

The #Move4Food campaign ends on International Giving day or “Giving Tuesday", on 27 November 2018.