Transplant Education for Living Legacies (TELL) and their mascot, Zane, got involved at their charity padel tournament and raised R20,000 for Kidney Health Awareness.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 September 2024) – On Saturday, 31st August, TELL hosted their very first Padel FUNdraiser, aimed at raising awareness for organ donation. This successful event generated over R20,000 for TELL to be used to further raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.
The event was a vibrant family affair, with the unicorn-themed tournament attracting community members and padel enthusiasts alike to Jozi Padel in Magaliessig. The day featured three hours of competitive play, with two groups—one advanced and one novice—battling it out on the courts. The top players were honoured during the prize-giving ceremony, which capped off an exciting day of sport and camaraderie.
In addition to the tournament, the event offered free kidney health screenings conducted by Pathcare’s medical personnel, with over 70 people taking advantage of the service. Participants who underwent screening were treated to free ice lollies, adding a sweet touch to the day’s activities. Harcourts generously sponsored goodie bags for all 32 players, and the event featured gazebo stands from Harcourts, Pathcare, and TELL, providing information and support to attendees.
The event also included a fun-filled photo selfie wall and a 360° video booth, both of which were popular with guests. The day’s unicorn theme, centred around TELL’s mascot Zane the Zunicorn, highlighted the importance of organ and tissue donation in a way that resonated with both children and adults. Zane’s story, where he receives a leg from his friend Zebra, serves as a gentle introduction to the concept of sharing one’s spare organs to save lives.
TELL’s mascot, Zane the Zunicorn, raises awareness about organ and tissue donation and teaches kids and adults alike how important it is to SHARE THEIR SPARE. Luckily for Zane, Zebra was able to share his spare and enabled Zane to live his life to the fullest with his Zebra leg. By using Zane’s story, children understand organ and tissue donation and don’t find the concept frightening.
Despite an unexpected incident where TELL’s Managing Director, Stella de Kock, dislocated her shoulder and was rushed to the emergency room, the event was a resounding success. What’s a health event without a trip to the hospital, after all?
This fundraiser was not just about padel; it was also about education. With National Kidney Awareness Week running from 2-6 September, the timing of the event was perfect to emphasise the importance of kidney health.
The public was educated on the risks and treatment options for kidney disease, a condition that affects 1 in 8 South Africans, many of whom are unaware they have it.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of end-stage kidney failure globally, coupled with a low rate of organ and tissue donation. The fundraiser aimed to address this by encouraging conversations about organ donation and highlighting the critical need for more donors.
TELL extends a special thanks to Travis Kruger, aka Zane, for his outstanding effort in organising the event. The community’s support and participation made this inaugural tournament a memorable and impactful occasion.
If you wish to share your spare change with us, you can donate via EFT:
Name: Transplant Education for Living Legacies NPO
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account type: Cheque
Account no: 62818725775
Branch code: 250655
For more information about organ and tissue donation, please visit TELL’s social media pages @tellorgza, website at www.tell.org.za
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