More than 175 people in 23 teams “cycled their hearts out” for 24 hours while raising R400,000 for underprivileged children in Langa!
Western Cape, South Africa (15 August 2022) – Putting their legs to the test, the Bishops Diocesan College community raised R400,000 during a 24-hour cycle challenge in aid of an NGO that brings about social upliftment to restore dignity and build self-esteem for the underprivileged children.
VUSA began in 2001 as a part-time rugby programme for children in the Langa community. However, as the programme developed, more significant needs were identified. Deficiencies in early childhood such as poor mental and physical health, addiction, homelessness, crime and family breakdown are most often the root cause of the challenges faced by South African youth in the townships.
“The VUSA programme’s primary goal is to provide a hub of excellence in Langa to ensure that these challenges are addressed early on in the child’s life, creating opportunities and a safe space for children to learn, play and grow.”
Last year’s event saw Bishop’s students, staff, Old Diocesans and parents raising R270,000 for Vusa, and this year they made no bones about their plan to beat the previous record.
More than 175 people in 23 teams rode their hearts out from 3 pm Saturday, 13 August, until 3 pm Sunday, 14 August 2022 at the Raymond Ackerman Centre in Rondebosch, with spectators supporting both in person and via live stream. The event included live interviews with Matthew Pearce and Old Diocesans John Dobson, international players Rob Fleck, Peter Whip and Christian Stewart.
Joining their former rugby internationals in rallying learners at their alma mater were Nick Koster, JJ Gagiano, Dasch Barber, Hal Luscombe, Imad Khan, Francois Louw, Oli Kebble and Cornel Smit, who helped create excitement about the fundraising efforts.
A team of VUSA coaches also rode in the event to raise funds for the children they coach and mentor.
Makabongwe Kahla, VUSA’s’ Programme Manager and one of the participants of the VUSA 24-hour cyclethon, said the event had been well-supported.
“It is wonderful to see so many people coming out in support of this incredible charity, which provides sport, academic and recreational opportunities, and a daily meal to primary school children in the Langa Community.”
VUSA also supports three registered ECD Centres and five primary schools with numeracy and literacy programmes run through the newly launched Atlas Digibus. VUSA coaches reside in the community and thus have a great understanding of the needs in the community.
“Bishops support VUSA’s’ operational costs, and thus 100% of these funds will be allocated to the VUSA programmes and covering expenses like food, transport, academic resources and coach salaries,” said Brendan Fogarty, VUSA Executive Director. “A big thanks to all involved for helping create a better future for these youngsters.”
Tony Reeler, Principal of Bishops Diocesan College, said his learners had once again made the school proud.
“The boys pedalled their hearts out; it was fantastic to see everyone challenging themselves for a great cause.”
**Update: Investec has just added in another R100,000 bringing the total donation to R500,000.
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