On Sunday, August 26, 2012, a group of girl friends and I decided to do a good deed and took part in the annual Blisters for Bread charity walk.
We got up super early on that crisp Sunday morning and made our way to the Green Point Cricket Club, which was the starting point for our 10km walk. Entrants can choose from either a 5km, 10km or a 15km walking distance, and we thought we would stick to the 'do-able' 10km's. We began at 08:30 and finished at around 10:30, taking us two hours to complete. This may sound like a long time, but considering you are walking amongst approximately 20 000 people, it seemed like a fair achievement for us.
The walk took place along the Sea Point Promenade and walkers were greeted with beautiful views of the ocean and some unwelcomed splashes of water from the sea at high-tide. It was a beautiful morning as the air was light and fresh, which was perfect for walkers as it was not too hot or too cold. Along the way, volunteers handed out coke and water, and marshals instructed the walkers where to go, as well as kept them away from the roads and the traffic.
Overall, the event was very well organised. At the end of the walk, each entrant that completed the walk received a medal in the shape of a foot - a nice personal touch. Food stalls were present after the walk, but the service was quite slow, resulting in long queues of people. Parking facilities were available at the V&A Waterfront, but they definitely took advantage of the situation, charging each car R30 to park there for the event.
Blisters for Bread is an initiative that was started in 1968 by the Peninsula Feeding Schools Association (PSFA) and is held once a year. The entry fee is R35 per person, and all proceeds are directed to the school feeding programme, which helps to feed 18 children.
I would definitely encourage everyone to join in next year and to support this worthy cause. Not only are you helping the children in need, it is a fun day out and great way to spend a Sunday morning.
The event was definitely enjoyed by all, and I even got actual blisters to show my dire commitment to the cause! For more information about the PSFA or about Blisters for Bread, visit their website on
www.psfa.org.za
Remember...
"You can't teach a hungry child"
The evening consists of a series of runway "walks" where contestants show off their casual style and formal-wear. A series of group dances by the contestants also takes place and the entrants are encouraged to show off their style, beauty and personality throughout the show, in order to gain the votes of the judges. The winners of the event represent the Portuguese community for a full year and are very involved in the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet event that takes place annually at the V&A Waterfront.
