Dubbed Walk the World, the charity initiative was started by TNT in 2002 as an engagement event for its employees. Today, it is practised in 80 TNT offices around the globe, across 24 different time zones. It has grown to become a global event, bringing together over two million participants and raising millions.
Mary Mashiane, National CR manager at TNT Express South Africa, believes that the initiative has been successful not only in raising funds but also in raising awareness of the issue of world hunger. "The number of South Africans participating in the event has grown. Last year over 300 people participated. We would like to see this number increase and would like to invite individuals and companies to join us in making sure that more and more children are provided for."
WFP provides free meals to tens of millions of learners. Nutritious food helps students concentrate on their studies, encourages parents to send children to school, and helps children develop their full physical and mental potential. "At a global level, we are nowhere near reaching our millennium goals for 2015. I believe that if more of us add our weight to initiatives like Walk the World, a lot more progress could be made," says Mashiane.
A celebratory picnic, as well as entertainment for both children and adults will follow thereafter. The registration fee is R100 for adults and R70 for children. Registration closes on Wednesday, 30 May and no registrations will take place on the day.
