Riding for Charity

The Absa Cape Epic’s two official charities, the Big Tree Foundation and JAG Foundation, aim to give back to the communities that host the race. But there are several more, with several teams riding for the charities of their choice in 2012. 

From its inception in 2004, the founding crew at the Absa Cape Epic committed to helping the people living in and around the villages and towns that the race touches. We've heard the names Big Tree Foundation and JAG Foundation already – these are by now mature charities deeply involved in uplifting communities in the Western Cape. But it’s not just the event organisation that is dedicating time and energy to helping others. In 2012, 94 teams rode under the banner of an official charity, raising funds to help causes closest to their hearts, many with considerable success – over R5m was collected. 

Topping the list, at least monetarily, is Mark le Roux and Philip van der Merwe who’ve raised R460 000 for SAEP (The South African Environment and Education project), an award winning non-profit company, based in Philippi in the Western Cape, that aims to empower and expand the opportunities of South African township children. Le Roux says, “As fathers ourselves, we realise the importance of supporting our country’s children in their earliest exposure to education. Their early childhood education program currently supports around 800 children and 10 schools – addressing children's basic needs such as school funding, proper nutrition, sanitation, and educational materials.” 

                      Mark Le Roux and Philip van de Merwe riding to raise money for SAEP

Father and son team, Andrew and Wesley Procter, of Team MTN Qhubeka 10ACITY rode in support of one of the most well-known charities in mountain biking, the distinctive yellow jerseys frequently spotted at races around the country. They believe strongly in the Qhubeka bike project, “In rural areas, kids’ ability to get to school is severely hampered by a lack of reliable transport and infrastructure and by providing kids with a healthy means of transport, they can be physically fit and get to school on time.” Through the Qhubeka organisation, children ‘earn’ their bikes by planting trees. “They’re also helping protect the environment in which we, as fanatical mountain bikers, have the privilege to ride in. So everybody wins.” So far, their efforts have raised R250 000. 

                           Father and son team, Andrew and Wesley Procter, with their finishers medals.

One of the best-known organisations at the race is songo.info, not least because the logo appeared on the front of the leaders’ yellow zebra jerseys of Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser every day in race week. John and Anton Sparks of Team Brothers in Arms were thrilled to have collected R150 000, “We went to one of their charity evening and were absolutely blown away by Songo Fipaza and his will to uplift the spirit of kids, who without a goal would most probably end up in the streets.” Funds go towards the organisation’s cycling facilities in Kayamandi, including a BMX track where youngsters practice their skills and develop their self esteem and sense of society.”

Another notable team was foreign participants Andrew Sharkey (Hong Kong) and Graham Collins (Singapore) of Team CLIC Sargent. They rode in support of friends and colleagues who have battled cancer in the last year. Other charities represented included ICM Brain & Spine Institute, Safetynet, Mosaic and the Hemophilia Association of Mauritius.

 
Andrew Sharkey of Team CLIC Sargent

The Absa Cape Epic event team conceived a program for riders who were unlucky not to gain an entry to the race. Prostective teams may still purchase one of the official charity entries available to riders via the Absa Cape Epic’s official charities, The Big Tree Foundation and JAG Foundation. This year alone, JAG Foundation raised over R1m. Join the cause now if you still would like to ride the 10th anniversary race in 2013. There are still limited entries available.

For more information on the charities mentioned here, or to donate, visit:

www.bigtree.org.za

www.jagfoundation.org.za

www.saep.org/shop-donate  (state ‘Epic-your name’ as reference)

www.qhubeka.org

songo.info

www.clicsargent.org.uk

www.hemophilia.mu

www.mosaickids.co.za

http://fr-fr.facebook.com/pages/Team-The-Bonk-rides-for-ICM/107716409346191?sk=app_116839235105429