‘Dance for a Difference’ at ZumbaThon for Hope

Alex Hunt, Post Contributor

Every step, clap and dance move at ZumbaThon for Hope 2.0 will go toward helping children in Tanzania.

The Tumaini Children’s Foundation’s second ZumbaThon fundraiser on Sept. 7 will run from 1-3:30 p.m. at Final Touch Women’s Fitness, 10 Park Road, Simcoe.

The ZumbaThon is $25 per person, and there will be a market table and refreshments that people can additionally purchase, with all proceeds donated to raise funds for children that are supported in Tanzania.

Leslie Butler, executive director at Tumaini Children’s Foundation, says attendees can expect to have an afternoon of fun, and meaningful exercise under the leadership of Claudine Grant of Tillsonburg and a Zumba instructor team. Also, the feeling that they have helped a child in need with their donations by giving them hope.

“We want the event to be outside and hope that more people will attend,” said Butler. “Through the donations we receive, people support a home for the children who are in need of housing. We make sure they have education and healthy food as well as access to healthcare.

“We are targeting our food budget for support. Our team on the ground in Tanzania are the only paid Tumaini staff as the organization in Canada is run by volunteerism, and right now, they are harvesting our first ever crop of corn,” said Butler. “We are working towards sustainability; the money will go to our food budget for the next month. It costs about $5 a day to feed a child and when people bring their $25 for the event, they will be feeding a child for five days.”

Founded in 2009 by the late Cherie Tiffin-Szucs, Tumaini Children’s Foundation is a not-for-profit charity supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in and around Usa River in Tanzania.

The organization provides a home, education, food and health care for children and youth in its care. Volunteers also support many others in their own homes, helping cover school costs, meals and medical needs so they can remain with their families.

Butler hopes people support the ZumbaThon and have a great time.

“I hope that by supporting others they can feel hope for the future of our world and as well as for the children, especially those we serve in Tanzania.”

Some generous donors have provided fantastic prizes for attendees to win at the fundraiser, said Butler. There will also be a penny table raffle, along with some early bird draw prizes.

Tickets can be purchased by e-transfer to donate@tumainimeanshope.org or at the door. For more information, visit tumainimeanshope.org or contact info@tumainimeanshope.org.