Teddy Bear Foundation supporters cycle to end GBV
Child abuse is tragic and traumatic, so the Teddy Bear Foundation helps abused children by accompanying them step-by-step on their journey to healing.
Childhood is supposed to be a wonderful time when children don’t have a care in the world. Some children, however, are forced to deal with unimaginable horrors.
The Teddy Bear Foundation (TBF) is yet to host a great ride to raise funds for the foundation, previously known as the Teddy Bear Clinic, which aims to continue supporting and healing children who were sexually abused.
On May 27, riders across Joburg South will cycle in the Trap de Val 100 Miler mountain bike ride – turning their passion for cycling to benefit needy children.
Trap de Val riders will enjoy a 162km from Rietvlei Zoo Farm to Val Hotel, Val, Mpumalanga.
Over and above a great ride, the event will offer riders a chance to meet old and new friends.
A great route for a great cause to a great venue
The inaugural ride by three friends in 2020 was followed by the first full ride with more than 70 riders six months later.
Under the social surface, there is turmoil unseen and unknown by most – the sexual abuse of children.
Profits from the Trap de Val ride will go to the TBF to soften the effects of sexual abuse and help fund their programmes, thus eradicating the scourge of gender-based violence and abuse.
“With our diversion programme, we help divert children away from the criminal justice system. We’ve had external evaluators evaluate the programme, and they found that our success rate with these children is over 95%,” explained Dalene Bishop of the TBF.
TBF also offers victim empowerment services including child-friendly medical examinations, therapy, court preparation, forensic assessments, psychological assessments, and outreach and preventative programmes such as SAFE Schools, Child Mom’s Crime Prevention and Educator Training on the recognition and management of abuse.
In addition, TBF also responds to crises at schools and residential facilities.
“Arthur Blake and Deon van Niekerk, who started the Trap de Val, are passionate about standing up for the boy child. By these guys raising money through the ride, we’ll hopefully be able to take a lot of boy children through our diversion services. They’re hoping to raise R40 000 this year,” said Bishop.
Giving youth a second chance
Using diversion programmes rather than the formal system is a more productive way of addressing and preventing future delinquency, thus reducing backsliding and further victimisation.
This is according to Bishop, who said that it grants the youth the chance to alter their trajectory and decision-making moving forward without unnecessary and long-lasting punitive consequences.
“Diversion gives children a chance to avoid a criminal record while at the same time, the diversion programme aims to encourage offenders to take responsibility for their actions and avoid reoffending. Success stories show how these boys’ lives have turned around, and they become productive and meaningful members of society,” she said.
For entries and to join others in riding for a good cause, visit https://trap-de-val.company.site/
Should you wish to get involved by cycling, donating food and refreshments, or giving a monetary donation, contact Dalene Bishop at daleneb@ttbc.org.za or on 083 469 9196.
