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About Me
- Sutherland Stars
- This is an initiative to get ten people from their community who have little or no income to make a difference in their community. The town of Sutherland is home to around 3000 people, and the unemployment level is extremely high. What we propose to do is to get some support to allow ten people to ride the Argus cycletour and in doing so raise some funds which will then be given back to the community.
For Liz and myself it has been a fantastic experience. It has put into perspective the saying "it is better to give than to receive". What started as a simple dream of riding the Argus Cycletour for the second time, has spiraled into a experience of blessings.
It all started with a challenge to ride a better time than a friend, and looking for a partner to ride with Liz, but it has now turned into a development team of 6+1 riders. 6+1 because the extra one is our domestic helper who was supposed to ride with Liz as her partner, but now he has become so involved in the experience that he is wanting to finish in good time too, Hansie J was entered by ourselves. The other six riders have been selected from the community and are either unemployed or have limited income, and have benefited from those who have helped us reach this place.
Firstly it was the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) who introduced us to the Argus organisers. Andrew Wheeldon was instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Next is is the Argus Cycletour organizers themselves. They have been kind enough to allow us free entry for the six riders, without their help and kindness we would have had to use many of our other resources to pay for the riders entry.
Our great clothing was given to us by Velotex in Observatory, Cape Town. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Pauline and her team, especially when our requests were rejected by so many othing clothing suppliers. It was absolutely amazing to see the riders attitudes change and see how their spirits were lifted when they donned one their clothing. Plastics for Africa in Montague Gardens kindly donated a water bottle each for the riders. Andre and Michelle, personal friends arranged some PVM energy bars and iSnack to fuel the team to success. Thanks guys!
The other big contributer is the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). They are based in Observatory in Cape Town and have their remote observing site in Sutherland. SAAo are supplying the transport for the team to get to Cape Town and around town as needed and then back home. They are also allowing the team to stay in Jacaranda House on site in Cape Town, which these two contributions alone are worth a huge amount of cash.
There have been other contributors and I do not want to name all of them as many of them will be embarrassed, as they did it anonamously, but their contributions have lifted our spirits and encouraged us to continue with our efforts.
A special thanks to all of you and I do not think that you know the difference that your contributions have made.