The Dar es Salaam Goat Races will stage the premier charity event at the Green Grounds in the city on May 30.
The race’s committee chair, Karen Stanley, said the continued support they have been receiving from the community is invaluable as since 2001 they have managed to raise over 980 million/- for local charities.
“Dar’s premier charity event is on track, it will take place from noon on May 30 at the Green on Kenyatta Drive, and is aimed to raise over one 1bn/- to be used to support people with special needs across the country,” she said.
She added that for over 15 years now they have been able to stage the charity goats races because of the support from a number of sponsors, non-governmental organisations and the people who attend the event.
Stanley said owning a goat is a lot of fun especially if it wins, but it is also a good way to get behind the races and help the committee to raise the expected fund for the betterment of those who are in a need.
“While it is all a bit of fun, the reason we organize this event, each year is to raise funds for local charities, so I also request everyone to attend the event,” she said.
She noted that, in 2014 the Dar Goat Charity Race supported different local organisations including the Zanzibar Outreach Programme, Matumaini Day Care Centre for disabled children, Fahari, Community and Conservation Trust, Daughters of Marry and Immaculate and Collaborators as well as Wonder Workshop.
“Others are Kidzeare Kerege Children’s Home and Pre-school, Help2kidshelps, Tupendane, Cornel Ngaleku Children’s Centre, CBRT, Read International, St Paul English medium Primary School and Lion’s Club Mzizima,” she added.
For her side, the Wonder Workshop General Manager, Francesca Tettamanzi, said the charity events including goat races are important resources for smaller non-governmental organizations.
She said her workshop trains physically disabled people to create quality distinctive products from recycled materials.
“Last year’s goat races funding went towards purchasing a ‘bajaj’, which assists in the collecting of raw materials and the delivery of final products, that is why we are proud of this event,” she said.
By DEOGRATIUS KAMAGI, Tanzania Daily News