The cyclists began their journey in Meyerton, Johannesburg, today at 05:45 and they will end their day in Klerksdorp where they will be visiting an outreach centre. The kilometres they would have travelled by the end of the day will be 155 km.

Twenty-eight cycling enthusiasts will take part in the two-part cycle tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Part 1 of the tour is from Johannesburg to Kimberley and part 2 of the tour will be starting in Kimberley and ending in Kuilsriver, Cape Town on 10 March 2023.

The cycling team will travel 1400 kilometres from Johannesburg to Cape Town with the help of support personnel, who will be in charge of delivering water to riders along the route, directing cyclists with lead cars, and providing medical assistance if necessary.

The cyclists and the Meals on Wheels Community Services team will be conducting 12 outreach programmes over the course of nine days where they will be providing 40 care packages to the elderly, 300 food parcels, and 180 stationery packs to the twelve selected beneficiaries as well as distributing warm cooked meals. This includes Meals on Wheels service centres, special needs schools, and frail care centres.

Pastor Bevan Jenneke, who is the Meals on Wheels Community Services' Northern Cape Area Director, says that the Extreme ride for Hunger Cycle Tour is the biggest fundraising event hosted by the Meals on Wheels Community Services in the Northern Cape.

Pastor Jenneke said: “I am inspired by the commitment of passionate individuals and generous sponsors that are always willing to dig deep into their pockets to help the organisation achieve their vision of a hunger-free South Africa. We are forever grateful to the team for their commitment to making a difference in our communities.”

The goal for this year’s Extreme Ride for Hunger Cycle Tour is to raise funds and create recognition of the work done by the organisation in trying to reduce hunger and poverty in South Africa.

The Meals on Wheels Community Services consists of six regional offices operating in all the provinces in South Africa, with the head office situated in Navalsig, Bloemfontein. Their vision is to create a hunger-free South Africa and their mission is to transform lives through charity in motion.

The organisation calls on all members of society to get involved by donating or sponsoring the cause. For more information, please contact Pastor Bevan Jenneke at 076-953-5554.

 Zenande Mpame/ OFM News