LOCAL musician and endurance runner Tom Mwanza completed an extraordinary 100-kilometre run from Hallidays Point to Port Macquarie on Saturday, raising funds to build a home for five orphaned children in his hometown of Kalulushi, Zambia.
Originally from Zambia and now based on the Mid North Coast, Tom set out to raise $100,000 through his campaign “100km for 100k”.
The funds will go toward constructing a modest home and supporting the children’s education and living needs. “These five beautiful children lost both of their parents within six months,” said Tom.
“They’re now in the care of my mother back home, but she simply doesn’t have enough space or resources to raise them properly.
“They deserve a chance at education, a roof over their heads, and a childhood that isn’t defined by loss and survival.”
Tom said while running 100km in one day is one of the hardest things he has ever attempted, it’s nothing compared to what the kids have faced.
“Every kilometre I run is a message: ‘You are not forgotten. You matter. There is hope’,” he shared.
Camden Haven businessman and Kew Corner Store proprietor Staffan Andler also played a role in supporting the initiative, providing his place of business as a stopover point where family, friends and supporters could catch up with Tom along the route.
Tom, well known locally for his Afro-dance music and community spirit, swapped his guitar for running shoes to take on one of his greatest physical challenges.
The run began at sunrise in Hallidays Point and concluded at nightfall in Port Macquarie, where supporters gathered to cheer him across the finish line.
Donations are still being accepted through Tom’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/38ade09b.
By Luke HADFIELD
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