• YouTube video Chicken Runs

At the beginning of each year, first-year Kovsie students swoop across the neighbourhoods of Bloemfontein to collect funds for the Rag Community Service – fondly known as Chicken Runs.

The Chicken Run invasion has seen members of our community contributing generously to make this fundraiser not only possible, but hugely successful.True to the spirit of Rag time, citizens of Bloemfontein enthusiastically open their hearts and wallets to this community service.

Our first-years have eagerly been taking to the streets sinceTuesday 20 January for their 2015 Chicken Runs. Before these students take the suburbs by storm, though, our university makes sure to convey the priority of safety to them. This is in support of the B Safe safety campaign our university launched with great success last year.

While being transported by several busses to the different neighbourhoods, the importance of each and everyone’s safety is discussed, the ground rules are set and several safety tips are given.

First-years are instructed to move and stay in groups. They are also advised to avoid standing at traffic lights for the purpose of fundraising, but rather collect from door to door.

Each student also receives a B Safe t-shirt displaying the message ‘I am a super safe superhero’ as a reminder of their personal safety – as well as the safety of their friends.

Chicken Run collections will continue on selected evenings until 29 January.

So first-years, be safe. And Bloemfontein, please be on the lookout for these youngsters; have a heart and open your wallets.