The 24 Hours for Louis (24H4L) is a fund-raising event to honour the memory of Louis Burger, who spent his life helping many people and animals – and to raise funds for Animal Welfare Society in Gqeberha.
The event will see Louis’ son, John Burger, cycle for at least 24 hours beginning on March 24, with the starting point being CycloPro in William Moffett.
According to John, his late father was a devoted family man who loved animals and loved cycling, back in his heyday.
“He was a well-known and highly respected businessman in the cellular industry, and was affectionately known as VodaDad because of his fatherly and protective nature over his staff,” said John.
He said Louis spent much of his life helping those in need, animals and humans alike.
“Since he was so reserved in his actions, we will never really know how much he helped others, but what we do know is that he changed lives more often than he cared to count or remember,” said John.
Tragically Louis succumbed to cancer in July 2021, leaving behind his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and beloved dog Lily.
The debut fundraiser of 24H4L, was in February 2021, and since it was such a resounding success, raising R50,190.00, it was decided to make this an annual event.
John will cycle again this year, supported by his sisters, Tarryn Burger Bresler and Leanne Smith, and his wife Bronwen, working just as hard behind the scenes.
The clock will start ticking at 14:00 on March 24 to 14:00 on March 25 at CycloPro in William Moffett.
Last year he completed 428km, equal to driving to Plettenberg Bay and back.
John said this was not a race for best time and position, the focus was on raising as much funding for AWS as possible, with a target of beating last year’s collection of R50,109.00.
He said a single loop is 42.3km and anyone is welcome to cycling with him at any point during the loop.
Last year cyclists joined as he passed their homes, and some supporters set up “camp” outside their homes motivating John every time he came past.
“We invite as many cyclists as possible to come along for the ride – there is no entry fee,” said John.
His ride will be monitored with GPS trackers sponsored by local Gqeberha information technology company, Track My Ride.
The link will be live on the 24 Hours for Louis’ Facebook page from March 24, shortly before 14:00. This will also enable cyclists to plan, should they want to meet up with him at CycloPro for a loop or two.
John said Sheena Wilson-O’Keeffe and Sian O’Keeffe, from Live Adventures, were his Guardian Angels last year and will again be driving throughout the 24 hours.
He said they will have all his food and beverage supplies on board, and will tend to his every need.
Sheena will also do live updates for the 24 Hours for Louis’ Facebook page.
“Whether you knew Louis or not, supporters of animal care are encouraged to donate freely, to help animals in need and to honour Louis’ memory,” said John.
“We urge all supporters to come out in their numbers and cheer me on, have a chat and be part of this wonderful initiative.”
For more information contact Olga Williams on 082 990 1708.
– ISSUED BY 24 HOURS FOR LOUIS
