local paddles for charity around the island of Mauritius

A 62-year-old from Fourways embarked on a journey of paddling around the island of Mauritius to raise funds for terminally ill children in South Africa.
Graeme Johnston travelled on December 22 for his nine-day journey of paddling for Reach For a Dream. “I completed the around island paddle except for a small section due to logistical problems I had with Air Mauritius customs with my kayaks,” he said. Despite the setback, he managed to raise about R38 000 for the organisation, with the help and support of his partner Jeanette Costa.

“I prepared myself for this task by paddling at least 16km a day, eight in the morning and eight in the evening,” said Johnston. He elaborated that the 188km challenge was difficult but raising money for sick children had kept him going. Talking to the Fourways Review, Johnston explained why he embarked on this journey. “My business partner’s son had leukemia and walking him down that journey was very painful to see. I wished at that moment there was someone to help him through it all. I took it upon myself to help families like his.
“My start and end point was in Grand Baie. During the trip, my equipment was confiscated at customs and I had to borrow equipment from local friends. This was a challenge I gave myself but the reward was lending a helping hand to the organisation and I am so happy that it was a success.

After the completion of the challenge, Johnston thanked all his sponsors and people who helped him with the equipment.
“It was a tough one but we made it.”
Donations are still being accepted and can be made on the official Reach for a Dream website.