Once gathering dust in drawers, thousands of medals have been generously donated by race finishers from across SA, creating a massive wave of hope for South Africa’s youngest warriors.
Johannesburg, South Africa (02 February 2026) – We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. When a call for help goes out, South Africans don’t just answer – they show up in force (and a whole lot of kindness)!
A few weeks ago, we shared about an incredible initiative by the HAHA Bling for Bravery charity, appealing for old medal donations collecting dust from race finishers’ past runs. These will be given to children in hospitals to recognise and celebrate their bravery while facing their own health battles.
The call for donations was further shared far and wide by sportsman and blogger, The Running Mann – and man, did his community show up!
In under a month, race finishers from across the country have filled their boxes and courier packages, together donating 22,257 medals (and counting!). All of which will make thousands of brave warriors not just happy, but supported and encouraged in their personal battles to good health.
“The Running Mann supported us with a single post, and look at the overwhelming response we received from the running community! Well over 20,000 medals received and counting in two weeks. Amazeballs! These will be distributed from next week to orphanages, Operation Smile South Africa, orthopaedic hospitals, children’s hospitals, schools and The Little Optimist,” HAHA Bling for Bravery said.
A major shout-out also goes to Johannesburg volunteers, Stacey Henning and Cassandra Barnes, for coordinating and helping to light a fire that has turned runners from every corner of our country into champions for good!
These medals will become badges of courage for the children who need them most. Donations can still be made throughout the year at Montebello Design Centre, Coney Timbers, 31 Newlands Avenue, Newlands, marked Att: Dean Dicks and with Dean Wight in KZN at his Beloved Long Runs.
For more information, visit HAHA Bling for Bravery’s Facebook page.
Sources: Linked Above
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Related Story
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 