The TransCape MTB race will join forces with the Africa Foundation to raise funds for a number of charity projects when the event takes place next month.
The third edition of the seven-day mountain biking journey from Knysna to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands will be held from February 5 to 11 over a distance of about 650km.
It is a ride which will take the riders through some of the best mountain biking terrain in the country, while also giving them a chance to support those in need.
The seven-day TransCape mountain bike race between Knysna and Franschhoek in the Western Cape will raise funds to assist a number of charitable projects. Photo: Supplied
For race founders Lenore and Wayne Collett, the charity aspect forms an important part of their planning and they have linked up with the Africa Foundation to support a number of causes.
The Africa Foundation aim to uplift those living in poor rural communities, while also working to protect South Africa’s natural resources.
Two of the projects the TransCape organisers have targeted are a bursary programme run through the Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) and installing ablution facilities at the Bilton High School in Mpumalanga.
“There are so many young people in our rural areas who have potential, but they don’t have the opportunity to study,” said (Lenore) Collett. “We want to open the door for theme to have a chance of getting a tertiary education.”
The cost is R43 500 per individual annually and the involved parties are hoping to make it a reality for 100 people by next year.
The second project entails the installation of ablution facilities at Bilton High in the form of Enviroloos to create a more healthy school environment for the pupils.
“We need R330 000 for this project so we are effectively hoping to raise about half a million rand.
“Africa Foundation have a very good management system and companies who contribute are able to receive tax benefits, so it is easier for corporates.”
The TransCape, which was acquired by ASG Events last year, will also throw its support behind the Calitzdorp High School, whose pupils assist at the event each year.
Collett said children who attended the school often had very little materially speaking and they raised funds to donate various products.
She added they would raise these funds by promoting the project during the event and encouraging participants to make donations. There will also be a charity auction at Greyton on the Thursday with a three-night stay at the Ngala Safari Lodge in Mpumalanga as the prize.
