Durban – A group of eight men have taken up the challenge to ride their bikes from Johannesburg to an early childhood development (ECD) crèche in the Loskop area of Estcourt to raise much-needed funds.
Fundisa Umntwana early childhood development co-ordinator Terry Ralph said the non-profit organisation operates in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
“Recently Johan, a member of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) responded to an appeal for assistance in any shape or form toward the work we do in Loskop. As a result of this, THE RIDE for charity is taking place on 19 October 2022,” she said.
Ralph said a group of eight men were challenged to purchase old delivery bikes for no more than R20 000 and do the necessary work on the bike to ensure it is ready to travel from Johannesburg to Clarence, then on to Winterton and finally arriving at Sondelani Crèche.
“Here the guys will carry out much-needed maintenance and deliver the climbing apparatus they have built from old car tyres,” she said.
According to Ralph, funds have also been raised for gift packs, toys and stationery not only for Sondelani but two other crèches in the area, Qandokuhle and Siyaphambili.
“The guys are hoping that they will get enough support for this fundraising initiative to make it an annual event,” she said.
Ralph said while Sondelani creche has 44 children, there are many crèches within the organisation in the Loskop area.
“We are talking hundreds of children in the early childhood development sector. RMI and THE RIDE chose Sondelani as the main focus for this event but there is enormous need in Loskop,” she said.
Ralph lists some of the items that are always needed:
- Stationery for children under 6 – crayons/paper/paint/play dough
- Playground equipment
- Toys, particularly cars and dolls, and dress-up clothing. Balls.
- Food – regular supplies of nutritious porridge.
- Carpets/mats
- Tables and chairs in some crèches.