Barefoot Comrades Marathon Runner Champions Homelessness Awareness in Pietermaritzburg
Graham Wells, a 46yearold Pelham, Pietermaritzburg athlete, will participate in the Comrades Marathon barefoot on June 11, 2023. Graham’s mission extends beyond personal accomplishment as he runs to raise funds and awareness for the persistent issue of homelessness in his city.
Graham Wells, a 46-year-old Pelham, Pietermaritzburg athlete, will participate in the Comrades Marathon barefoot on June 11, 2023. Graham’s mission extends beyond personal accomplishment as he runs to raise funds and awareness for the persistent issue of homelessness in his city.
The “Run for a Roof” Campaign
Since 2021, Graham has actively participated in the “Run for a Roof” campaign, an initiative launched by the One Life Foundation. The campaign aims to raise funds to combat homelessness in Pietermaritzburg. Through this collective effort, over R47,000 has already been raised. Graham’s ambitious goal is to raise R250,000 for the newly-established PMB Homeless Network, an organization committed to creating a safe, warm, and hygienic environment for the homeless community.
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PMB Homeless Network: A Collaborative Effort
Pietermaritzburg has existing homeless shelters, but the PMB Homeless Network will be the first of its kind to provide individuals with a diverse array of services. The PMB Homeless Network is a collaborative effort composed of the Msunduzi Municipality, Business Fighting Crime, local churches, charities, social service providers, activists, and volunteers from Pietermaritzburg. All united by a shared commitment to promote and protect the human rights of the city’s homeless, the network will focus on restoring and repairing a sizeable municipally-owned building.
Graham’s Expertise in Social Housing
Graham’s expertise in social housing from his time in the UK has fueled his passion for addressing the global pandemic of homelessness, a crisis that requires urgent attention. As Graham prepares for his barefoot marathon, the daily encounters with the homeless remind him of the importance of raising awareness and supporting the PMB Homeless Network’s mission.
Graham’s Vision
Graham envisions a safe and inclusive shelter where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and empowered to improve their lives. He believes that by pooling resources and supporting this project, the community can transform the landscape of homelessness in Pietermaritzburg, restoring dignity to those left behind by society.
Supporting the Cause
Through the crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy, Graham aims to secure funds for the PMB Homeless Network and extend support to the city’s homeless population. No contribution is too small to have an impact. Join him and the PMB Homeless Network in their quest to make a tangible difference in the lives of the homeless.
Graham’s running accolades hold little value unless they benefit the lives of others. Let’s unite to effect positive change for those who need it most. To support this noble cause on BackaBuddy, visit this site.
Chloe de Kock is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from township braai joints to Constantia vineyards, for the Mail & Guardian and Eat Out. When she’s not interviewing grandmothers about secret bobotie recipes or tracking the impact of drought on winemakers, you’ll find her surfing the mellow breaks at Muizenberg—wetsuit zipped, notebook tucked into her backpack in case the next story floats by.
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