Well-known home for the mentally challenged Avril Elizabeth Home has registered as a charity for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, to raise both awareness of the important work it does among the community and to bring in additional funding.<\/p>\n
The race will be held over 94.7km, through various areas of Johannesburg, on November 16.<\/p>
“We are looking for at least 20 people to ride on behalf of the home and to raise funds, through the event, for us,” said Kathy Jooste, chief executive officer of the home.<\/p>\n
The event, which has a new route starting at Riversands, in Fourways, and now excludes the gruelling 14km stretch along the N14 Krugersdorp highway, encourages people to ride for a purpose.<\/p>
Last year cyclists raised millions of rand through the event, for the various charities with which they decided to align themselves.<\/p>\n
“Some of the advantages of riding on behalf of our home would be that charity bonds are given a favourable start group and time,” said Jooste.<\/p>\n
“It also means that, if you’re registered on our bond, you’re able to use the event to create awareness of the home and raise funds for us, using the event.”<\/p>\n
Registered cyclists can be as creative as they like when raising funds.<\/p>\n
They can, for example, be sponsored by their friends, family and company per kilometre of the 94.7km they cycle on the day, or can organise a car wash to raise funds.<\/p>\n
The person who raises the most funds for a charity is awarded the Red Jersey.<\/p>\n
Jooste said, “Cyclists need to register online at http:\/\/www.cyclechallenge.co.za\/ and pay the fee of R350.<\/p>\n
“Once they have done this, they can send an email to aehome@mweb.co.za or Chantal@quo-vadis.co.za and we’ll let them know what happens next.<\/p>\n
“Companies can get involved, too.<\/p>\n
“Register your team to ride for us, sponsor our cyclists, or come up with a creative way to help us”.<\/p>\n
The Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Handicapped provides high quality residential and day care to intellectually challenged people from all sectors of the community.<\/p>\n
Operating since 1970, it embraces and nurses the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of those in its care, through special education and stimulation.<\/p>\n
The home’s oldest resident is 80 years old and the youngest, four.<\/p>\n
“We have 157 permanent residents and provide day care to 20,” said Jooste.<\/p>\n
“All residents and day care attendees are intellectually challenged and many have a physical disability, as well.”<\/p>\n
To find out more about the Avril Elizabeth Home, or how to donate if you don’t wish to cycle for a cause, go to www.avril.org.za, or call 011 822-2233.<\/p>\n