Pediatric Care Africa raises over R250k during charity drive
This year’s PCA On-Trac-Tor was aimed at creating awareness of the killing and abuse of children and farm murders across the world.
It was yet another fruitful On-Trac-Tor charity fundraising initiative by Pediatric Care Africa (PCA) for urgent medical treatment for children.
Leading a 2 500km ride on a tractor across five provinces, the founder of PCA, Dr André Hattingh, attracted donors across the country. He departed on July 2, and was accompanied by the 911 Biker Club and Pr TJ Maré on bicycle and motorbike. He arrived back at White River Square on Saturday July 15.
The hope was that the initiative attracted enough funds to meet the target of R250 000.
PCA’s Surika van der Merwe said they came in just above this target. The funds will go towards children in the country who require medical treatment and surgeries.
“Since the inception of the charity drive, we have supplied free medical care for children at private medical practitioners or specialists, and some received free surgeries,” Van der Merwe said.
She said they have distributed food parcels, including tins of baby formula and packets of porridge for babies. “We are happy that we will be able to continue to help more children through these funds,” she said.
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Hattingh said this year’s drive was aimed at creating awareness of the high number of children being killed, and those subjected to attempted murder, assault and sexual offences in the country every year.
“We also wanted to draw international attention to farm murders, as South Africa’s are becoming increasingly brutal and an escalating problem that affects all of us. Farm murders must absolutely be stopped. We support TJ Maré and the 911 Riders on their quest to reduce farm murders in South Africa,” he said.
The tractor was sponsored by Mahindra Nelspruit and Hattingh rode a Mahindra 86-110P.
Despite the cold weather in various places in the country, he said the charity drive had received much support from various communities in the country.
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“Winburg in the Free State was extremely cold. That little jacket I had on did not do any good. But the atmosphere was amazing in every town we drove through. We appreciate everyone who showed us support and those who donated money towards the campaign. To the farmers, bikers and drivers who drove and rode behind me, I appreciate them.”
Some Lowvelders had gone to White River Square to welcome these caring travellers back.
