For the last 9 years, the CHOC Cows have swum the Midmar Mile to raise funds for children with cancer – this year, they celebrate 10 years.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (01 February 2024) – A decade of swimming for a good cause, is what the CHOC Cows are celebrating this year! The herd of do-gooders have been swimming the Midmar Mile for 10 years, this year.
We know what you are probably thinking… “Cows? How can cows raise money?” Well, to be honest, they are not real cows, just humans dressed up as cows doing cool things!
Have you ever been to a sporting event like a cycling race and seen someone dressed as a cow for the race? If the answer is yes, then you have seen a dedicated individual (or group) raising money for CHOC. CHOC provides support and care for children affected by childhood cancer.
The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA is a non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. The passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers of CHOC aim to save lives through early detection and comprehensive support programmes for the families affected by cancer, such as; accommodation, transport assistance, psychosocial, emotional and practical support and more. They also provide awareness and education on childhood cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.
CHOC shared a happy update on the Cows’ Midmar history and the exciting plans for this year.
“In the picturesque province of KwaZulu-Natal, a unique herd emerged in August 2013 with a mission to make a difference.
The KZN Herd of The CHOC Cows was founded, and little did they know that their first event in 2014, the aQuelle Midmar Mile, would mark the beginning of a decade-long journey filled with passion, camaraderie, and impactful fundraising.
Dressed in distinctive cow prints, just over 30 swimmers made a splash at their inaugural Midmar Mile. Their presence was not only a visual spectacle but also a symbol of their commitment to raising funds for children with cancer. The bovine-inspired swimmers caught the attention of onlookers, leaving an indelible mark on the event.
As the years unfolded, The CHOC Cows of KZN continued to grow their herd, both in numbers and impact. Each year, the aQuelle Midmar Mile became more than just a swimming event; it transformed into a symbol of hope and support for those battling cancer. The community rallied around the cause, and the cow-printed swimmers became synonymous with the spirit of giving.”
The Cows are now more than 30 swimmers, they are an impactful group doing a great deal to make a difference in fighting childhood cancer. If you are going to be at the Midmar, be sure to keep an eye out for the Cows.
“As the 10th Dam Crossing approaches in just three weeks, the anticipation is palpable. The KZN Herd of The CHOC Cows is not only celebrating a milestone in their swimming journey but also a decade of making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. The cow print swimmers, once a small group with a big heart, have become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of community.
In a world often filled with challenges, The CHOC Cows of KZN remind us that simple gestures, like swimming a mile in cow print, can make a significant difference. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of giving, proving that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, they can create ripples of change that extend far beyond the waters of Midmar Dam.”
To get involved with The CHOC Cows, please contact Daisy on daisy@thecows.co.za or visit www.thecows.co.za.
by 