The ‘Lekelela’ Challenge (which means helping hand in Zulu) is the Amashova charity game application on Facebook. For the first time, pedal pushers and couch potatoes alike can take on the hills. This virtual race is open to all work colleagues, friends and family. Simply log in and play to make a difference.

As a player, the goal is to collect pedal strokes by donating to one of the following charities: The Amashova Bike Park, CHOC, Hi Hopes and the Pink Drive. This can be done by commenting on Twitter @amashova and #lekelela, or uploading pictures on Facebook at Amashova. All will allow one to move along the Amashova route to the finish.

There are great chances to win prizes as progressing along the route. Prizes include weekends away at KwaZulu-Natal destinations, meal vouchers at some of Durban’s finest restaurants and vouchers from Hirsch. The first team home with the most money raised will enjoy a sunset cruise on a yacht in Durban harbour after the race with all refreshments and entertainment provided.

Playing is easier than riding a bike. There are 4 steps to follow:

1. ‘Like’ the Amashova Facebook page.
2. Update personal details.
3. Join or create a team by inviting friends through Facebook (up to 15 people per team).
4. Choose one of the Amashova charities to support and pledge to donate.

The “Lekelela” Challenge can lend a hand to:

The Amashova Bike Park: Hundreds of children are killed on South African roads each year. In response to the desperate need for a unique school based road safety plan, the Amashova has funded, built and maintained a road safety bike park at Ethembeni School in Inchanga. This helps groups of school children learn the rules of the road on bicycles around a specially designed track. Last year, the city of Durban commended this initiative for innovation and sustainability in its ‘Imagine Durban’ publication. This concept is now ready to roll out to other areas.

Hi Hopes: Research has found that, every day in South Africa, 17 babies are born deaf. 94% of these are born to hearing families who have never met a deaf person. This excludes babies that lose their hearing due to prematurity or illness. Hi Hopes has parent advisors and deaf mentors who provide personal, face-to-face support for families as they learn to deal with the unique challenges of raising a deaf or hard of hearing child and help build family relationships.

Pink Drive: An indispensable breast cancer Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), Pink Drive powers two mobile mammography and educational units through our country with the message that early detection saves lives.

CHOC: An acronym for Children’s Haematology Oncology Clinics, CHOC has a mission to contribute to the well-being of children and families living with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. CHOC knows that childhood cancer has a profound effect on everyone. With empathetic support and the right information, it is possible to not only survive but be stronger, wiser and more compassionate.

For more information on the South African Post Office, visit the official website www.xps.co.za, as well as for the Virtual Post Office. Alternatively, ‘Like’ the South African Post Office on Facebook.

For registration information log on to www.amashova.co.za or call the Shova organizers during office hours on 031 312 8896.