When thinking of ways to gather the community to assist children in need, local cyclist and founder of Fuel on Wheels, Johan Oosthuizen, decided to put together the activities the community already enjoys, which include driving, riding, running and walking.
The food drive, ride, run, walk will be held in Colchester, just outside of Gqeberha, over the Easter weekend from the March 28 to 30, spanning 72 hours.
The event will start at 08:00 on Thursday and wrap up at 12:00 on Saturday.
“Our primary objective is to collect food donations to address the pressing needs of children and individuals in our community. We want to raise as much as possible and collect non-perishable food items for The Nosipho Foundation,” said Oosthuizen.
“Another Fun Run Walk, Afriforum, is taking place on the other side of the village, which will amalgamate and move across to the Fuel on Wheels Event. We will have roughly 50 children, who are the benefactors of our work, who will be running/walking alongside myself, as many as are granted permission by parents, as well as transport arrangements,” he added.
Local radio station, Luister FM, will broadcast live from Sundowner Guesthouse for three days, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.
Oosthuizen stressed the importance of community members gathering for the good of others, highlighting that the informal settlement on the outskirts of Colchester is the third poorest in the Eastern Cape Province, with only four taps with running water, no electricity in some parts, and very poor living conditions.
“A big challenge is that there is no official building or place for The Nosipho Foundation to do its workthat is greatly needed in the community. Currently we provide food for 85 kids, twice a week, from the back of my bakkie.
“The number was 32 kids a year ago. Then there is a reading challenge, which is a major problem. Most of these kids are being taught in their third language, which makes learning difficult. This is why we have started reading lessons that happen under a tree, where we can get the most shade,” Oosthuizen shared.
The event will have food stalls, arts and crafts, and boat rides/paddle boats.
“We are on the Sundays River and three kilometres from the Addo Elephant Park South Gate. The Sundowner Guest House is the starting point, with a block organogram.
“The outside lawn area will be hosting all participants, and is easily accessible for all visitors and locals. We really encourage everyone to join in on the fun, especially because it will all be for the benefit of children who desperately need our collective help,” Oosthuizen concluded.
For more information, contact Michelle de Wet from The Nosipho Foundation on 082 907 8203.
