Game Stores employees have been swimming the Midmar Mile for over a decade in aid of charity. Photo: Gameplan Media
Pietermaritzburg – The aQuellé Midmar Mile has, over the course of 40 years, become a fantastic vehicle for fundraising.
This year’s big fundraising drives include those by the Eight Mile Club, the Pink Drive and Game Stores, which has been doing its corporate social investment bit for 11 years.
Shelley Kreinacke, PR and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager for Game, puts together a big team each year for the Midmar Mile.
She says the company’s participation began with a challenge to its employees. “We put out a challenge to employees, saying if you can finish the race we will donate a thousand rand (for each of you) to the Community Chest on your behalf,” she said.
One of the Game swimmers, who has swum in the Midmar Mile for every one of those 11 years, is Massmart CEO Grant Pattison.
“Personally, it means healthy living,” he said. “I always like to tell people a single event a year gets you focused and training. It’s almost like a nice reset and check on your fitness levels. I’ve always loved swimming. I think it’s a very healthy sport.
“Jokingly, I’ve also said the pressure of getting fit has more to do with getting into a Speedo with 200 of your closest colleagues,” he laughed. “One’s time also plays a factor.”
The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place on February 9 and 10 at the Midmar Dam just outside Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
