Hillcrest duo to participate in Freedom Climb
Brigitte Gonggryp and Karen Foley will ascend Table Mountain in Cape Town, as part of Operation Mobilization's Freedom Climb for exploited women and children on 11 October.
TWO Highway women, Brigitte Gonggryp and Karen Foley, will ascend Table Mountain in Cape Town on 11 October, which is part of Operation Mobilization’s Freedom Climb to raise funds for exploited women and children globally.
According to Brigitte, she met some people from Operation Mobilization recently and they told her about the challenge of climbing mountains around the world to support this organisation. This year the climb is at Table Mountain in Cape Town.
“The climb is right here at our doorstep, hence I was motivated to do it. Harvey World head office (the company she works at) donated R10 000 towards her climb, and the other branches are challenging each other to either compete or donate funds towards the project,” said Brigitte.
The cost for each climber is R500 entry fee and to raise a minimum of R10 000 for the project. “Karen and I have been blessed by so many clients and friends, so whatever funds we raise will just be donations for the organisation,” said Brigitte.
The brave duo will be accompanied by 150 other climbers on the day. The person who raises the most funds will be flown by Operation Mobilization to one of their projects in Africa where women and children are being rehabilitated, so that they can experience the work the organisation does.
The climb is symbolic of what many women and children go through around the world every single day – they are under duress in their struggle to climb to freedom.
“When we stand on top of that mountain we will declare life and freedom for those who can not speak for themselves,” said Brigitte.
Brigitte was a very sporty person up until January 2013 when she tore her cruciate ligament on a skiing accident and hence could not participate in any sports or train. So while her primary goal for the challenge is her passion for the cause, it can also be seen as a celebration of her recovery.
Karen on the other hand, said she was not a sporty person at all, but was keen to support the cause. “To me, its not about reaching the top of the mountain, it’s about the challenge most women and children are faced with and being able to feel a quarter of their pain and to assist where I can,” said Karen.
She said she has been trying her best to get fit by running, up hill climbing and brain training.
Those willing to support the project can contact Brigitte or Karen at Harvey World Travel on 031 765 5845 or e-mail: Brigitte.gonggryp@harveyworldtravel.co.za
