Time to virtually ‘pedal for paws’ and help raise money for a worthy cause

The South African Guide-Dogs Association will be hosting a virtual cycle challenge, Pedal for our Paws, to raise much-needed funds for facilities to train the dogs.

The 101km cycle challenge will take place from 24 August to 7 September. With many businesses and organisations being financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, fundraisers have been started in order to make up for the losses and get the community involved.

Jackie Quail, event manager at association said there is excitement in the air since the cycle challenge of this magnitude has not been done before. “We chose the number 101 in honour of the founder of the SA Guide-Dogs Association, Gladys Evans. She would have been 101 years old this year,” she said.

Quail said that the lockdown has had to force the association to think of different marketing strategies to fundraise. “We have hosted quite a few virtual events over the last four months and it is thanks to our incredible supporters and donors that these have been successful.”

She added that those taking part will be using the advantages of technology like smartwatches, health apps on phones and speedometer devices on bikes to keep track of their kilometres cycled. Photos and screenshots of the distances must be posted on social media and to the GivenGain pages where donations can also be made.

The association trains guide dogs for the visually impaired, service fogs for the physically disabled and autism support dogs for children on the autism spectrum. “It costs in excess of R100 000 to train one dog. Money raised from the event will also be put towards buying assistive devices such as long canes and liquid level indicators for the visually impaired,” Quail concluded.

Details: To enter the virtual cycle challenge or find out more information, email JackieQ@ guidedog.org.za.