Paddling for charity
Hennie Kraamwinkel will be rowing all the way to the Botswana border in the name of charity.
Kraamwinkel is looking to raise funds for the Emmanuel Pentacostal Church to get a new tent.
The church uses a tent as they cannot afford to build their own church. Their current tent was donated seven years ago and is already showing wear and tear even though pastor Danny Skead has been doing his best to mend it.
They are looking to raise R230 000.
“They lifespan of the tent we are looking to buy is 25 years that is why we went for it. Our congregants cannot afford it as we are not a luxurious church with wealthy patrons,” said Skead.
Congregants got together with what little they had and donated it towards buying the row boat. They bought a cheap boat advertised on Facebook.
On Monday, Kraamwinkel will start his journey and will row 356 kilometres via the Crocodile River in a 12-14 day trip. He will be camping out on farmlands near the river for the entire trip.
“A couple of years ago I had a vision of rowing down the Crocodile River to raise funds but this was before the church was in dire straits. As time passed, the vision got more urgent until I decided that this year I will do it,” said Kraamwinkel.
The contractor will be closing his company for the next two weeks. He is using his own money for his needs but has had tinned food sponsored to him by close friends.
“I was lucky that a few people were willing to lend a hand but now I want to ask the community to help the church. All the money that will be sponsored will go directly to them as I don’t want a cent. The church needs it more for their tent,” he said.
He will be accompanied by the pastor and another member of the church who will help set up tents and provide medical treatment if needed.
“I have not exercised since 1994 so I’ll need the Lord with me. Mentally and spiritually im prepared for the trip. This will be a good time to spend alone with God with no outside traffic,” said Kraamwinkel.
