The Midmar Mile was first held with only 153 swimmers in 1974 and 34 years the Halfway-Telkom Midmar Mile boasts entries of over 17 000. It has become the signature event on the South African swimming calendar and a source of pride for KwaZulu-Natal. What many don’t know about however is that every year for the last 5 years a group swimmers have swum all eight events to raise money for charity. The 8-Mile Club have to date raised over R1,75 million for local and national charities.
In 2001, Durban businessman Stan Kozlowski, was the first person to do all 8-miles. The idea was borne after Stan swam a 12km event to raise money for the Hospice who had taken good care of a friend’s mother in the last few months of her life. 2001 was the first year the Midmar Mile held 8 events (it had previously been 6) and Stan did each one with a different family member or work colleague “to keep me company” he says. He did it again the following two year’s and in 2004 the club was formally established, starting with 15 members. The membership has risen to 25 and last year over R500 000 was raised for various charities. This year the pre-race pledges have already surpassed the half a million Rand mark. Of this, Stan and fellow member Mike Roscoe, have raised R84 000 and R129 000 each respectively.
Many charities have benefited from the club including the SPCA, SA Guide Dogs Association, CHOC, Little Eden and the Cancer Association of South Africa; but none more than Hilton-based conservation organisation the Wildlands Conservation Trust. Stan has shown his unwavering commitment to conservation since he started raising funds for Wildlands in 2002 and has raised over R350 000 for the Trust alone since then. This year should bring the total up to half a million rand. “Stan has been a champion for the Trust and we are so grateful” said Fundraising manager Christine Bateson. “Every year he comes back having gotten thousands of Rands in pledges through his business and personal networks and every year his contribution is bigger than the last; it just shows that one person really can make a difference” she said. Bateson expressed special thanks to all the individuals and companies who have supported Stan and the Trust along the way.
“My daughter helped me a lot [with administration of the fundraising] through the years” Stan said, “and she is participating this year for the first time, which I am pleased about”. Nastassja is 21 years old but there are members as young as 14 participating. “We are trying to create charitable hearts amongst young people” said Kozlowski. “For a lot of guys this is their last year and the younger guys (and girls) are going to take over”. “It’s wonderful that all the younger swimmers want to part of this”.
The club will still be accepting pledges until end of February. If you would like to make a pledge for Wildlands or any of the charities please call Stan on 083 654 8663.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)