– We saw it fit to add on ZNSPCA as a beneficiary as they are struggling to get sponsorship for the amazing work that they do, a SPAR Zimbabwe official revealed.
John Cassim
Harare, Zimbabwe (CZ) – The SPAR Zimbabwe Rainbow Run 2023 is back with a bang this year, as it seeks to raise funds to help Childline and the Zimbabwe National Society for Protection against Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA).
The SPAR Rainbow Run, formerly known as the SPAR Family Fun Run, is an annual event that raises funds for Childline Zimbabwe, a child rights organization that provides support and counseling to children in need.
This year, ZNSPCA has also been included among the charitable recipients of the proceeds.
“We saw it fit to add on ZNSPCA as a beneficiary as they are struggling to get sponsorship for the amazing work that they do. We have always supported ZNSPCA and the SPCA in the past, but the Rainbow Run is the only major fundraising event.
This year has been very tough; most of our suppliers are taking lower sponsorship tiers, so we are just hoping that we manage to raise even the same amount as last year,” said Shamiso Pfumayaramba, Head of Responsible Retailing at SPAR Zimbabwe.
Last year’s event was a huge success, with over US$37,500 raised for Childline, as SPAR Zimbabwe has a long-standing partnership with Childline through its Community Benefits Scheme.
The scheme supports a range of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children in Zimbabwe, including education, health, and social welfare programs.
SPAR Zimbabwe’s Responsible Retailing Pillars focus on Children, Women, the prevention of Cruelty to Animals, protecting the Environment, and promoting a Healthy and Active Lifestyle, hence the inclusion of ZNSPCA this year.
ZNSPCA is a non-profit governing and investigative umbrella body for SPCAs in Zimbabwe.
They rely on donations in their quest to detect and respond to cases of rabies, educate ordinary Zimbabweans on vaccinations, capture and handle stray dogs and cats, and confiscate puppies from illegal dog vendors, just to mention a few.
This year’s edition of the SPAR Zimbabwe Rainbow Run will be held at Mount Pleasant Sports Club on Sunday, July 30.
The rainbow-themed run is a color run that features a 3.5-kilometer run or walk through the grounds of Mount Pleasant Sports Club for all age groups, as well as a variety of fun activities for children and families.
Participants can run, walk, ride bicycles, and bring their dogs to this fun family event, and they can complete the course as many times as they like.
Tickets for adults will be sold for US$10 and US$5 for children under the age of 12.
Online pre-registration opened on July 1, and SPAR Zimbabwe is urging participants to take advantage of the online registration to avoid creating long queues on the racing day.
Pre-registered participants will be able to make payment and collect their Rainbow Run packs at Childline, ZNSPCA, and selected SPAR stores in the two weeks prior to the event.
“SPAR Zimbabwe is very excited to once again host the SPAR Rainbow Run in aid of Childline and ZNSPCA.
Community, families, children, healthy fun—put them together in aid of two great causes, sprinkle them with every color of the rainbow, and you get pure magic!
We can’t wait for Sunday, July 30; join us as we paint a rainbow of hope, color, and fun for Childline and ZNSPCA,” Cypren Borerwe, SPAR Zimbabwe General Manager, said.
“We call upon all our SPAR family—customers, supply partners, staff, and their families—to join us on Sunday, July 30th, to create a rainbow of hope for Childline and ZNSPCA,” said Shamiso Pfumayaramba, Head of Responsible Retailing at SPAR Zimbabwe.