Fitness enthusiasts perform ‘bin-bag cardio’ for homeless in South Africa

Saturday 31 July 2021

A group of fitness enthusiasts in Jersey have been raising money for homeless families in South Africa by training in bin-bags this week.

And this Sunday, the finale of their week-long effort will be an online international ‘Jerusalema’ with people across hemispheres joining in to give their fundraising efforts a final push.

The unusual effort - a light-hearted nod to the ‘garbage bag’ training advocated by some sports stars and celebrities - has been coordinated by local personal trainer Hollie McVittie, who has an international group of online clients. 

“My business, Joy Training, always supports charities and one of my South African clients asked if we could support a cause close to her heart,” said Hollie.

“Together, we came up with the idea of ‘bin-bag cardio’ as a challenge, so each day this week, we’ve been doing one hour of cardio-training wearing one.”

Pictured: The unusual effort is a light-hearted nod to the ‘garbage bag’ training advocated by some sports stars and celebrities.

Hollie and her nine Jersey and South African clients are supporting the Somerset West Night Shelter, which provides beds, skills’ workshops, food, clothes, nappies, care and shelter to homeless adults in the Western Cape town. 

The challenge is also a reference to the fact that many homeless there are forced to wear bin-bags and use them for shelter at night.

“We have been creative with our cardio and have included line-dancing, cycling, trampolining, running up and down stairs, and we will be doing a live version of ‘jerusalema’, streamed to Facebook, on Sunday morning at 07:00,” added Hollie.

“We have raised £274 so far but aiming for £500 so we’re hoping that people will either join in on Sunday or choose to donate. The money we raise will go towards building a ‘jungle gym’ for toddlers in Somerset West."

Anyone wanting to support Hollie, her team and the charity can donate HERE.