Team Guide Dogs raises over R155 000 towards supporting visually impaired people in SA
The SA Guide Dogs Association raised over R115 000 at the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg, which will go towards providing essential assistive devices for the visually impaired.
This year’s Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg was not just a race; it was a heartfelt mission to create a positive change in the lives of many.
The ‘Ride for a Purpose’ initiative encouraged cyclists to dedicate their efforts to meaningful causes, including the SA Guide Dogs Association.
As 2024 marked a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of the College of Orientation & Mobility, the association rallied 69 cyclists to form Team Guide Dogs.
Together, these passionate riders helped raise over R155 000 to support the training of assistance dogs and provide essential assistive devices, such as white canes, to needy individuals.
Nicole Barrors, of SA Guide Dogs Association, expressed her pride in the team’s achievements. “Every pedal stroke contributed to transforming lives, and we are so proud of Team Guide Dogs.”
She further emphasised the organisation’s impact, highlighting that in the past decade alone, their orientation & mobility practitioners have equipped close to 2 000 visually impaired individuals in Gauteng with assistive devices and training.
Also read: SA Guide Dogs needs help with ‘Give a Cane’ campaign
Gratitude also pours in for Bob Martin, the association’s generous partner, who fully sponsored Team Guide Dogs this year. Their support allowed for cycling kits, expo stands, and post-race care, which included massages from Wits University students, cool refreshments, and towels to help the cyclists recuperate from their demanding ride.
In addition to the funds, the cyclists had the chance to win fantastic prizes, valued at over R2 500, awarded to those who raised the highest amounts for the cause.
Barrors added: “We are incredibly thankful to every cyclist on Team Guide Dogs. Their commitment is making a real difference for the visually impaired, physically disabled, and children on the autism spectrum within the South African community.”
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