Charity ride and fun for mental wellness in Muldersdrift
More than 60 runners and cyclists put up a sweat to support Ebenezer Psychiatric Home's charity event.
Many runners and cyclists made their way to the Valverde Eco Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind recently to take part in a charity event specifically for those people suffering from mental disorders.
The Bell of Hope Charity Ride and Fun Run saw over 60 people participating to raise funds and bring awareness around mental health. The event was a collaboration between Bell of Hope and the Ebenezer Psychiatric Home in Witpoortjie in their effort to better the services provided to the patients.
The run started in the early hours of Sunday, 5 May and those who participated had the choice to run the 50km, 15km 10km, and the 5km run. Those who excelled in their race were rewarded by winning various prizes after breaking a sweat for a good cause. This event was the Bell of Hope Charity Ride and Fun Run’s 10th anniversary.
The prizes consisted of valuable goodie bags for every cyclist, loads of spot prizes to be won, great food stalls, a craft market made by the residents, and sponsored refreshments for all.
Ebenezer Psychiatric Home was founded by Charmaine Hennings under the guidance of Dr HE Haynes in March 2005. It was established as a residential home for people suffering from Bipolar or Schizophrenia. A year later, a second home was opened due to the huge demand for residential facilities for psychiatric adults.
The homes are adjacent to one another in Ham Street, Witpoortjie, and the home consists of 25 permanent residents and five-day residents, who live independently. The homes are located on two big stands with two big houses and a very large flat. There is plenty of space and lovely gardens. The homes have a loving and homely atmosphere.
According to the fundraising manager for Ebenezer, Kerry von Buddenbrock, they are currently receiving a monthly subsidy from the Department of Health and will be assisting the Department of Health in their efforts to move from custodian care to residential facilities.
“We also work in tandem with the complementary services provided at the Discoverers Clinic and various psychiatric hospitals. We are registered and licensed with the Department of Health,” she said.
