Dads cycle for education and charity
BRYANSTON - What started as a fun idea nine years ago over a couple of beers with a handful of spirited friends has now turned into a meaningful reality.
Since its formation, the Dads’ Charity Cycle Challenge has significantly changed the lives of hundreds of school children along the route and has made some meaningful contributions to charity.
With the aim of raising R400 000 this year – which will break the R3 million threshold of monies raised since the inception of the charity cycle – funds raised will be divided predominantly between four charities: the Sunflower Fund, Fulton School for the Deaf, the Gauteng Down Syndrome Association, and The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation.
A portion of the funds will also once again be channelled to The Dads’ Charity Challenge Bursary for a needy boy or girl to assist with furthering their education. Currently the fund supports two children at Rivonia Primary School and two children at Ihlukwe School in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. This year, for the first time, the Dads will be supporting the St Peter’s Preparatory School Foundation, which is involved in literacy programmes at Sefikeng and Diepsloot combined schools.
“The bulk of the riders in 2013 are made up from fathers at St Peter’s Preparatory School, and their efforts will go a long way to secure the future of our next generation,” said Nicolle Kairuz of Cathy Findley Public Relations. The Dads have also secured a donation of two million bricks from KC Energy and this will assist in building classrooms for select schools, and other initiatives which are still in the pipeline. This programme will commence in 2014. Commenting on this year’s ride, Rob Jackson, founder of The Dads’ Charity Cycle Challenge, said the group of 45 dads – and a few moms – will depart from Bryanston on 9 October. Jackson said he was overwhelmed by the support the ride enjoys. “In 2005 we managed to raise R25 000 and were thrilled with our result. This year we are trying hard to raise R400 000. Times are tough at the moment, but already many have come to the party with their generous support.”
The Dads’ Charity Cycle Challenge will take place over five days. The team will cover 145km down to Standerton on the first day, followed by a further 134km to Newcastle on day two. The third day will involve a lengthy 165km cycle down to Escourt and day four will see the team arrive in Pietermaritzburg after 118km.The final leg will mark the culmination of the cycle challenge when the team will compete in the 106km Amashovashova from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on 13 October.
Details: Rob Jackson 011-463-7730 or info@leveragecorporation.co.za.
