The Sasfin Cyclethon to be hosted by Melrose Arch will take place on 16 September and will raise money for the Smile Foundation and HospiceWits.
“Sasfin is proud to once again be sponsoring this wonderful family event that raises funds for two exceptional organisations,” said Cathryn Pearman, head of marketing and communications. “Both the Smile Foundation and Hospice Wits perform life-changing work for many South Africans.”
Last year’s cyclethon generated R300 000 which was evenly distributed between the Smile Foundation and HospiceWits. HospiceWits elected to allocate the funds towards the continuation of early childhood learning for the 86 orphans and vulnerable children of its patients.
Jacqui Kaye, the CEO of HospiceWits, said, “It is vital for us to continue to provide our HIV/Aids infected or affected
2- to 6-year-old children at Mapetla Day Care Centre with a place of safety and a good Early Childhood Development programme.”
The Smile Foundation allocated its funds to the Friday theatre slate within the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery of a local academic hospital, to be used for facial reconstructive surgery for children.
“These funds have literally changed lives,” said Hedley Lewis, finance and fundraising executive of Smile Foundation. “By using them to facilitate critical facial reconstructive surgeries for children, we have helped to alleviate this surgical backlog. Through the cyclethon, the public is having a direct and very positive effect on the lives of our country’s children.”
Mike Vermaak, the managing director of Melrose Arch, said, “Supporting charity is important to Melrose Arch, and we are proud to host this event once again to raise funds for HospiceWits and the Smile Foundation.
“It’s a fun day for the whole family. My team and I shall be cycling, and I encourage members of the community, corporates and schools to come and join us in supporting this worthy cause.”
Manny Rivera, CEO of Planet Fitness, said, “Planet Fitness has supported the cyclethon since 1996, and is proud to once again actively assist in the hosting of this event in 2017. We are honoured to support the cyclethon at Melrose Arch, providing the spinning bikes and giving back to both charities. It’s a great morning out to raise funds for kids in need while getting fit and having fun.”
You can enter online at www.ticketpros.co.za or get down to the Piazza at Melrose Arch early on the day to register and book your spot. Entries cost just R160 per bike per hour and the cyclethon runs from 7am to 1pm.
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