As the Starfish Greathearts Foundation celebrates 25 years of supporting vulnerable children, the organisation is calling on cyclists and community members to turn a personal challenge into an opportunity to make a difference.

The foundation is encouraging cyclists, families, friends and colleagues to join #TeamStarfish for the Ride Joburg 947 Cycle Challenge on November 22, taking on the 97km route while fundraising for its work with vulnerable children and families across South Africa. The initiative, called Pedal for a Purpose, aims to combine an active challenge with fundraising and awareness.

“As Starfish Greathearts Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, we wanted to create an opportunity for people to come together, get active and make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children,” said Mpiliso Skosana, partnerships and engagements officer at Starfish Greathearts Foundation.

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According to Skosana, the campaign is about more than completing the 97km route, with each rider encouraged to use their participation to raise funds and awareness. “For us, Pedal for a Purpose means transforming a personal challenge into collective impact,” said Skosana.

Funds raised through the campaign will contribute towards Starfish programmes supporting vulnerable children and families, with a focus on children aged zero to six. The organisation works with community partners across areas including early childhood development, education and skills development, nutrition, health and wellness, social services and capacity development.

Starfish said a larger #TeamStarfish could also help increase awareness of the challenges facing vulnerable children. “Beyond the funds raised, every cyclist becomes an ambassador for Starfish and helps us reach new audiences,” said Skosana.

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Skosana is also encouraging people who cannot participate in the cycle challenge to get involved by donating, supporting a rider through their fundraising page, sharing the campaign or encouraging others to participate. “Behind every kilometre is a child who deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, be healthy and reach their potential,” Skosana said.

The foundation hopes the campaign will build a community of people who are not only cycling together, but contributing towards a shared cause.

Those wanting to join #TeamStarfish can register for the 947 Ride Joburg route using the charity/team code: LOW26, and create a fundraising page through GivenGain.

Starfish’s message to potential participants is simple: “Ride for Starfish. Fundraise for Starfish. Help save lives.”

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