“The partnership will go a long way in helping develop education in the Sundays River Valley, as well as raise awareness about the area,” says Det Bakker, liaison officer for the SRCC Foundation Trust.
He adds, “The funds will help us finance bursaries, which we can then offer to students from the valley. We want to give them opportunities they would otherwise never have had. The other initiative we hope to grow is the transport system for pupils. We are trying to get a school bus system off the ground.”
Kirkwood High School, Sundays River Primary School and Hermitage House are a few of the schools supported by the foundation, with students, teachers and local residents offering support at the event.
“Students often help with aspects such as the waterpoints, but our involvement in the race is not limited to enhancing the riders’ experience,” says Bakker.
The partnership with the SRCC Trust Foundation was established in 2015.
He concludes, “The beneficiaries (along with Unity in Africa Foundation) will receive 30% of the net benefit of the race, as well as direct exposure to corporates – which often result in donations.”
The PwC Great Zuurberg Trek will take place from Friday, 26 to Sunday, 28 May.
For more information, visit www.greatzuurbergtrek.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.