A pair of takkies is a basic need that every child has to participate safely in physical activity and sport. “I can identify so closely with these kids,” says former Springbok Wing Ashwin Willemse.
“I remember when I was chosen for the Boland athletics team for the first time as a 9 year old boy in 1991. It was a highlight for me, my family and our community. The school was extremely generous and raised funds in order to buy me a pair of takkies.
“The Friday afternoon when my school coach Mr Brikkels accompanied me to the store to fetch my brand new pair of takkies was undoubtedly one of my most memorable moments growing up. Today I am determined to create that special moment for someone else. Through Tekkie Friday I Pay it Forward,” Willemse continued.
Having retired from a professional rugby career, Ashwin – now 31 years of age – does not want his life lessons to go to waste. He wants to inspire young people and be a beacon of hope that if he could rise above his circumstances, anyone else can.
To achieve this goal, he co-founded the GreenSmile Foundation with former team-mate Breyton Paulse. The foundation seeks to combat the social challenges we are faced with in South Africa and focuses primarily on three areas: SPORT, HEALTH and EDUCATION. Founded on Ashwin’s takkie story, the foundation has decided to have Tekkie Friday on 09 November.
The project which is being run as a fundraising pilot in the Western Cape, invites schools, corporates and other organisations to wear takkies on 09 November to support GreenSmile Foundation and the work that they do. In addition, people are also being invited to show their support by signing up on www.tekkiefriday.com and making a donation towards the GreenSmile Foundation’s projects.
There are various ways in which you can get involved: • Make a direct deposit into the GreenSmile Foundation bank account. Donations of any denomination are welcome. Bank: Standard Bank Account Name: Greensmile Foundation Account Number: 043 011 357 Branch: Sandton Branch Code: 019 205 Reference: Your mobile number • View our fundraising page on www.greensmilefoundation.givengain.org and make a secure donation via this site. • SMS the keyword TEKKIE to 48716 to make a donation. SMSes cost R10-00. • Donate a pair of takkies.
View a complete list of drop off points on www.tekkiefriday.com. All funds raised will go towards extending the foundation’s projects into more schools and communities. All takkies collected will be distributed to the JAG Foundation runners. Sign up today, make a donation and show your support with your takkies on 09 November 2012.
For more information contact Grace Maartens on grace@greensmile.co.za or 011 268 2538.
First name: Grace
Last name: Maartens
Email address: grace@greensmile.co.za
Telephone: 011 2682538
