TONY Bird, a cyclist from Alberton, lost motivation after his ninth 94.7 Cycle Challenge… then he heard that Reach For A Dream was a charity and his motivation boomed.
Each rider has to raise a minimum of R1 200 towards their chosen charity from about 40 charities. Tony sets himself a higher goal every year and this year he decided to set his goal at R3 500 in his personal capacity.
About two weeks before the race, an appreciation evening is held for the riders and after the race, they are treated to massages and beers at the charity’s stall. There are more or less 28 000 cyclists that participate in the race annually.
This year, the race they call Race for a Purpose, will start in Woodmead on November 17, go past Kyalami and back to Woodmead.
Tony usually asks family, friends and colleagues for donations towards the charity he chooses, although he gets it going by donating R500 of his own.
Although Tony had a tough year last year, he heard the ad of Reach For A Dream and that is what made him want to get back on the bike. “What they do for children is what stood out for me. It caught my attention because if I could make one child’s dream come true, it would make my day,” said Tony.
The people from Reach For A Dream try to realise what the children’s dreams are and then they strive to make it a reality. Reach For A Dream is an organisation which works with children who have life threatening diseases.
“The nice thing about the money which is raised, is that each and every cent goes to the charity as all the other costs are covered and sponsored by Nedbank,” said Tony excitedly.
If you would like to assist Tony in his endeavour to ride for a purpose or to make another child’s dream come true you can contact him on 083 485 5731. Alternatively you can make a donation straight to the bank account: Nedbank Current Account, Reach For A Dream Foundation, account number: 1977083161, branch Code: 197705 and reference: rider’s name.
Readers, who do make a donation straight into the account, should please notify Tony so that he can inform the charity.
Visit www.dreamriders.co.za for more information.
