JOBURG 2 BLOUBERG
1000 Miles Unsupported
CYCLING FOR DIGNITY FOR GIRLS
22 March - 2 April 2024
Marinda Pretorius & Ernest Stipp: Cycling Against Child Abuse
Meet Marinda Pretorius and Ernest Stipp, two extraordinary individuals united by a shared passion for cycling and a deep commitment to making a difference. Marinda, a triathlete since 2020, has found her calling in helping individuals plan for a fruitful retirement through holistic financial planning. Her journey from the small town of Hartebeesfontein to a fulfilling career in Pretoria showcases her resilience and dedication to pursuing her passions. Ernest, a passionate endurance cyclist, brings his rich experience from growing up in the Cape Flats and his expertise in IT infrastructure support to the duo's mission.
Together, Marinda and Ernest are embarking on a formidable 1000-mile cycling challenge from Johannesburg to Bloubergstrand. Their goal is not just to conquer the distance, but to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to their hearts – the fight against child abuse. They are riding in support of Guild Cottage, a sanctuary for girls who have survived sexual abuse, aiming to raise R1 million to provide essential resources like a new minibus and a borehole to alleviate the home's running costs.
This journey is more than a test of endurance; it's a ride for hope, healing, and the promise of a better tomorrow for the girls of Guild Cottage. By supporting Marinda and Ernest, you're joining a community that believes in the power of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those who ride not just for the love of the sport, but for a cause that can change lives.
Join us in supporting their ride against child abuse. Every mile they cover and every donation received brings us closer to a world where every child can grow up in safety and dignity.
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We need your help.
Removed from abusive homes by the South African children's court, these girls find sanctuary at Guild Cottage, the country's unique residential treatment facility for sexual assault survivors. As a registered Child and Youth Care Centre, Guild Cottage is dedicated to restoring the dignity of these young girls in a nurturing environment. Facing water bills over R90,000 monthly, the centre urgently needs a borehole to cut costs. Additionally, their essential, yet deteriorating, minibus desperately requires replacement.
HOW YOU CAN DONATE
Our key objective is to raise R1m towards a new borehole and minibus for the girls of Guild Cottage
How to donate: BackaBuddy (Tax deductible as per Section 18A):
- Select the link https://www.backabuddy.co.za/guild-cottage
- Click on the Donate button
- Select your amount
- Complete your personal details and Message of Support and continue to Payment Options
- Complete Payment Options, whereafter you will receive a thank you e-mail from BackaBuddy confirming your donation
- The e-mail confirmation must be used to obtain your Section 18 tax deduction certificate from Guild Cottage
Contact Person: Virginia Kruger
Contact Details: 011 726 2102/2168 / nandisa.tilayi@guildcottage.co.za
GUILD COTTAGE
Rescued by the South African children's court from abusive situations, the girls at Guild Cottage require comprehensive support, including rehabilitation, education, and basic care. As South Africa's sole specialized residential treatment centre for young survivors of sexual assault, Guild Cottage provides more than just care; it offers a chance at a new beginning. Registered as a Child and Youth Care Centre, it's dedicated to healing and restoring the dignity of these young girls, both mentally and physically. Guild Cottage stands as a beacon of hope, offering a safe, home-style environment for those in desperate need of refuge and a path to recovery.
OUR HEART
Emerging from backgrounds marked by their own trials and imperfections, we've come to deeply appreciate the opportunities, health, and success we enjoy today, alongside our passion for cycling and aiding others. Our journey spans 1000 miles, pedaled with the purpose of combating child abuse. Our aim is to secure R1000 for every mile covered, funneling these funds into the recovery and wellbeing of the 18 courageous girls residing at Guild Cottage, a beacon of hope nestled in Parktown, Johannesburg. This registered Non-Profit Organization dedicates itself to nurturing survivors of sexual abuse, embodying our commitment to transforming adversity into empowerment.
OUR SPONSORS
We are so grateful to have the support of these people and businesses!
(more names being added soon!!)
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE
1600 km | 7275m up | 8701m down
From Johannesburg to Bloubergstrand, we're embarking on a 1000-mile mountain biking challenge, traversing diverse terrains including the remote Tankwa Karoo, known for a 200km stretch without mobile reception. Our aim is to complete this journey in 7-10 days, navigating through unpredictable weather and potential technical setbacks, covering 200 – 250 km daily without any external support.
This entirely self-supported adventure will be monitored via satellite, allowing sponsors and supporters to track our progress around the clock. For live updates, including photos and videos from our journey, you're invited to join our tracking WhatsApp group through the link below. Become part of our journey by joining the 1000 Miler Charity Foundation Group, staying updated with our daily progress and experiences.
WHATSAPP GROUP: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAtgQ3lCfv442wd27ScnQ2