We see it every day, that sense of hopelessness for Durban’s street kids and homeless people roaming the streets aimlessly.
The Municipality in partnership with ICARE, an NGO that deals with rehabilitating, re-unifying and educating street children, is daring all citizens of the City to make a meaningful contribution to the plight of the homeless by spending one night – sleeping on the streets of Durban. The campaign is not only aimed a fundraising money for ICARE, but will be an opportunity for ordinary citizens to get first-hand experience of what the homeless people go through on a daily basis. It is also aimed at re-assuring the homeless people that citizens of the City do care about them.
Participants will spend time and fellowship with the homeless people. They will share words of encouragement and lend an ear. Representatives from various organisations will also be on hand to educate the homeless people about the various health and wellbeing services available to them and how they can access these.
Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for the event on www.icare.co.za. Once signed up, participants will receive a sponsor sheet which they can take to friends and family members who will ‘dare’ them to sleep on the street in exchange for a financial contribution (no specified amount). Participants will then send a selfie to their sponsors on the night of the event, proving they did it! All proceeds will be donated to ICARE.
The evening will begin with registration at 5pm on Friday the 15th of May at the Durban City Hall, Church Walk. Participants will then be guided to zones which have been reserved on Dr Pixley Kaseme Street (formerly known as West Street). Every zone will be clearly marked and have zone leaders overseeing the safety and other needs of participants. Metro Police Officers will be on sight.
For more information on the campaign email iDare2Care@icare.co.za or call 072 196 9454. Participation is not open to persons under the age of 16 years. Participants who are 16-18 years will have to have written consent from their legal guardian.
