CHAISE Botha will embark on a 256km hike to help raise funds to ensure that other pupils at his school are not left out during class field trips.
The Tankwa Kamino, which begins in Calvinia and ends in Ceres, is a relatively new hiking trail and there is no signal or a way to charge your phones anywhere along the route. “It’s a way to take a break from the city and a way to disconnect from technology and to reconnect with yourself and your family,” said Chaise, a Grade 7 pupil at Hillcrest Primary School. “The reason I got involved in this walk was not only for the adventure, but to help others who can’t afford to go on excursions, to make sure they don’t feel left out.”
His father, Craig, brought up the idea and asked whether Chaise would like to join him on the route. His sister, Joelle (14), said she would be interested in taking part as well. “I am really looking forward to spending time with my father and my sister as well as the other people on the walk, and then there is also experiencing the Karoo,” said Chaise.
“My dad suggested that I try and do something to help others when taking part in the walk, as a way to get out of the me, myself and I box, and see what is happening in the community and give back. I am wanting to raise as much funds as possible,” said Chaise.
Last year, he took part in as many long walk events as possible and also participates in a variety of sports, from cricket and rugby to soccer and action cricket. To ensure he is fit and ready for the 10-day journey, Chaise also takes Dacquiri, the family’s 70-kilogram bulmastiff, for a long walk each Saturday morning. He will embark on his fundraising journey on Wednesday, 4 May. “The weather forecast for then says that it will be mostly dry but it will be freezing cold at night, cool during the morning and then boiling hot during the day,” said Chaise. His family will make use of some of their items already in storage but will purchase a few needed extras, such as shoes and a tent.
“There is just lot of hopelessness out there and as parents, we want to create a space where our children can be more than what they are told they can be and that they can achieve in our society and not to get overwhelmed by the negativity they are faced with on a daily basis,” said his mother, Nicole.
To get involved you can either make a once-off donation of any amount or pledge to donate R1 per kilometre. The account is monitored by Hillcrest Primary School. For any further information, e-mail niccishoogmail.com|.
Banking details: Hillcrest Primary Kids CommunityBank: First National Bank, 6220 324 2946, Hillcrest branch, reference ‘Camino’.
