A Stellenbosch University men’s residence recently raised R63 000 in donations through an annual trail run aimed at securing funds to assist fellow residents. This was according to Dillon Williams, a Simonsberg resident and the event’s organiser.
The total was significantly more than the R25 000 raised the previous year, said Williams.
The event, which took place on 17 August, consisted of a challenging 25km run from the residence to the peak of Simonsberg mountain and back, according to Dylan Lee, vice-primarius of Simonsberg. It is the second year that the residence has hosted this event.
“A big challenge in terms of organising the event this year was the date,” said Dillon Williams, resident of Simonsberg men’s residence and organiser of the annual Simon2Simon2Simon fundraising run. “It is probably the worst time you can imagine to hike up Simonsberg, just in terms of the unpredictable weather,” he said. PHOTO: Kara le Roux
Supporting residents in need
The funds raised will be channelled into the Simon4Simon Fund, a relief initiative providing support to Simonsberg residents facing financial hardships, particularly those funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), said Williams.
As a result of NSFAS budget cuts, many Simonsbergers are struggling with food security, Williams said. “This is a very prevalent and real problem,” he said.
“The money we’ve raised this year is absolutely game-changing and helping those who need it most.”
“Last year when they reduced the NSFAS meal quota, [the Simon4Simon fund] subsidised a lot of the guys that needed help,” said Connor von Broembsen, Simonsberg resident and 2023 house committee member.
A race against the elements – and Huis Visser
This year’s run saw a friendly rivalry between Simonsberg and Huis Visser, another SU men’s residence, Lee said. The race pitted three runners from each residence against each other, with the team finishing first crowned the victor, Williams said.
“My motivation came from a deep sense of belonging to Simonsberg,” said Josh Grievenson, a Simonsberg resident who participated in the race alongside Matthew Tripe and Gus Farara.
For Grievenson, it was a physical and mental challenge. The technical 1 400m elevation trail was made more difficult by rain, where one wrong step could have led to injury, Grievenson said.
“The most rewarding moment came when [we] successfully managed the toughest parts of the trail and reached the summit as a team,” Grievenson said. The Simonsberg team emerged as victors, completing the race in three hours and 20 minutes.
During this year’s Simon2Simon2Simon, a fundraising event by Stellenbosch University’s Simonsberg men’s residence, participants Josh Grievenson, Matthew Tripe and Gus Farara were expected to run 25km from Simonsberg men’s residence to the peak of Simonsberg mountain and back. GRAPHIC: Kara le Roux
‘More than just a race’
Despite the challenging weather conditions, Williams said that an additional 20 Simonsberg residents showed up to walk the trail in solidarity.
Dr Leslie van Rooi, Simonsberg residence head, said that Simon2Simon2Simon plays an important role in creating new and healthy traditions within the residence’s community.
“This event was more than just a race for me,” Grievenson said. “Being able to run in support of fellow residents who may be facing challenges was a way to give back to the place that has given me so much over the years.”
Dillon Williams, resident of Simonsberg men’s residence and organiser of the annual Simon2Simon2Simon fundraising trail run spoke to SMF News about how the funds raised during this event will assist Simonsberg residents financially.