A group of Italian cyclists have invited a Capetonian to a special event in Europe… after tasting her Roosterkoek!
Laingsburg, Western Cape – Poppie van As was asked to cook Roosterkoek at an event in Montagu, when a group of Italian cyckists invited her to their home-town in Italy, after tasting her Roosterkoek and hearing her life story!
This trip will be the first time that she has ever left the Western Cape!
Stan Engelbrecht, a 43-year-old Capetonian, is raising funds for his dear friend Poppie van As, an underprivileged elderly lady who has a small roadside roosterkoek stand on the N1 in Laingsburg.
“Poppie and I met by chance about 6 years ago, and I asked her to come and prepare her famous ‘roosterkoek’ at a few of the bicycling races I organise. Over the years she has made ‘roosterkoek’ at all my races, and she has become part of the family so to speak.”
Stan organises the Eroica in Montagu, which is an Italian event. He manages the event and invited Poppie to make ‘roosterkoek’ for the weary Italian riders.
Roosterkoek (literally grill cake – say “roor-stir-cook”) is the traditional bread to accompany a braai. The roosterkoek are simply balls of bread dough cooked on a grid over the coals, and are best eaten piping hot and straight off the grill.
“During their visit, the Italian representatives were so impressed with Poppie, and her incredible life story, that they invited her to Gaiole, Italy to attend the main Eroica event as a special guest. Myself and my girlfriend Donnet will be travelling with her as escorts.”
Stan set up a crowdfund to pay for Poppie to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy. This trip is something she would never be able to do on her own.
“We will be flying from Cape Town to Bologna on 25 September 2019, and we would like to close donations on 15 September 2019.
The funds we raise here will go towards Poppie’s visa appointment, travel to-and-from Cape Town, getting her a few things that will make her comfortable on her first aeroplane trip, and first visit overseas! Just some suitable clothing and sensible shoes maybe. We want her to feel comfortable and confident.
In Italy, the funds will provide a bit of spending money for Poppie, and will go towards accommodation, food and travel expenses while we are there. We have this one opportunity to show her Venice, Rome, and some of the wonderful things Italy has to offer, and it would be sad to miss out on something simply because we can’t afford it. We want to give Poppie the best, richest possible experience, and every little bit will help to make this a life-changing trip for her.”
Eroica Italy has kindly paid for Poppie’s plane ticket, and will host her during the 3-day event as their special guest.
“Since Poppie has never left the Western Cape in her life, we decided to take this opportunity to show her Italy for 10 days and take her on a road trip. It has always been her dream to travel overseas. At 63 and being from a poor community, she might never have the opportunity to do so again. Having known Poppie for 6 years I know that this is a dream-come-true for her, and this experience will change her life forever. Please be part of it!”
You can support Poppie’s once-in-a-lifetime trip via the BackaBuddy crowdfund here.
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