K2C Cycle Tour turns pedals into purpose
The 10th K2C Cycle Tour raised R650 000 for conservation and community projects, marking Rotary’s biggest fundraiser yet.
HOEDSPRUIT – The K2C Cycle Tour is more than just a race; it is a lifeline for conservation and community projects across Hoedspruit and beyond.
Now in its 10th year, the event has become Rotary Hoedspruit’s biggest fundraiser. This year, thanks to the dedication of 126 riders, their support teams, sponsors, and countless community members, a remarkable R650 000 was raised.
On September 15, at a lively awards evening hosted at The Clubhouse, those funds were handed over to the causes that matter most.
“As a community, we can be proud,” said Lovelle Henderson of Rotary Hoedspruit. “Every year this event proves just how much good can come when we work together.”
As tradition goes, local reserves that welcome riders onto their land were among the first to be acknowledged. Large cheques were presented by past president Christine du Preez and organising committee chair Michael Henderson, money that will go straight back into conservation and social upliftment, from anti-poaching efforts to supporting vulnerable groups.
But it does not stop there. Each year, Hoedspruit Rotarians carefully research and select a variety of projects that reflect Rotary’s values: conservation, education, leadership, and direct community support. This year’s list was broad and inspiring.
Conservation beneficiaries included Timbavati PNR, Thornybush GR, Kapama GR, Metapopulation Initiative, the Southern Ground Hornbill Project, Provet Wildlife Services, and Nature on Tap. Timbavati Warden Edwin Pierce and Foundation General Manager Candice Pierce showed their appreciation with a certificate of thanks, recognising Rotary’s generous contribution.
Community organisations supported were Farmwatch, the Timbavati Foundation, Jahara, local radio station HFM Stream, and paramedic Pieter Papsdorf. Farmwatch expressed what many were feeling in a heartfelt note: “We are truly blessed to have such a supportive community. We can never thank you enough.”
“This year’s awards were especially moving,” Henderson added. “Not only were so many organisations supported, but we also honoured two people who’ve stood by this event since the beginning.”
To mark the tour’s 10th anniversary, Rotary presented one of its highest honours, the Paul Harris Award, to two extraordinary “Friends of Rotary”: Tony Patton and Debby Thomson. Their dedication to the K2C over the past decade has been remarkable, and their new Paul Harris pins will now be recognised anywhere in the Rotary world.
