Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Nedbank Namibia has donated 40 bicycles to Beautiful Kidz, a non-profit organisation that supports vulnerable children and their families in Windhoek and Ovitoto.
The bicycles, valued at N$40,000, were bought with funds raised during the 2024 Nedbank Desert Dash.
Participants and supporters pledged the amount during the event to support Beautiful Kidz.
Nedbank Namibia communication manager Selma Kaulinge said the organisation operates from community centres in Windhoek and Ovitoto.
“They serve hundreds of children with pre-primary education, tutoring, youth clubs, and holiday camps, and offer outreach and parenting support,” she said.
Kaulinge said that the organisation also empowers women through needlework training.
“With a Christian foundation, Beautiful Kidz brings hope and opportunity to some of Namibia’s most disadvantaged communities,” she said.
She said the Desert Dash helped raise both funds and awareness.
“Through participation in the 2024 event, the organisation raised N$40,000, which was used to purchase and distribute 40 bicycles to the Ovitoto centre.”
Nedbank Namibia Okahandja branch manager Desire Suze-Salomo attended the handover.
“The Nedbank Desert Dash is more than just a race, it’s a powerful platform for charities to raise both awareness and funds,” she said.
“By participating in this event, organisations like Beautiful Kidz can connect with new supporters and potential sponsors, making a tangible impact in their communities. At Nedbank, we believe in being money experts who do good, and this ethos drives our commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower those we serve,” Suze-Salomo added.
Nedbank Namibia chief commercial officer JG van Graan said the Desert Dash is a key community event.
“It not only challenges participants physically but also unites them for a greater cause,” he said.
The funds and awareness raised through this event have a lasting impact on the communities we serve, as seen with Beautiful Kidz.
“The Nedbank Desert Dash platform has become increasingly influential in its significance for fundraising potential, and we have no doubt that the 2025 edition will again amplify the sheer momentum that we have seen in recent years,” said van Graan.
Beautiful Kidz board chairman Andrew Nicholson thanked Nedbank.
“Nedbank has given hope to the kids who received bicycles to also dream of competing in the Nedbank Desert Dash in the future,” he said.
“This event has brought our community closer together, rallying around our riders and deepening engagement with our generous donors. Through this support, we’ve been able to provide bicycles to the children who will no doubt ride thousands of kilometres, perhaps even preparing for the Nedbank Desert Dash 2040 when they come of age,” Nicholson said.
