Big-hearted bikers donate toys and gifts to CANSA and Cupcakes for Hope

Selfless positivity can come in every shape, size and guise imaginable, yet to the recipients of uplifting gestures, all that matters is the action.

Ian Koegelenberg strikes an imposing figure in his leathers but under his rugged exterior lies a heart of gold. Ian is the President of Fallen Warriors, a biker club committed to bringing hope and joy to the faces of children effected by cancer. With a strong Christian ethos, the small band of dedicated riders have embarked on many charity drives, most notably, their soup runs in Krugersdorp.

The work of Fallen Warriors is closely aligned with that of Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and Cupcakes for Hope, so they were a natural fit to help bring some pre-Christmas cheer to children confined to hospital wards. Fallen Warriors handed over a sack full of children’s goodies to CANSA’s Isabel Gomes and HM 4 Honey’s Hennie Matthews on 10 December.

A total of 23 packs were handed over – 13 Lego and puzzle-filled packs for the boys, and 10 with make-up and accessories for the girls. Each member of Fallen Warriors has a personal story to tell about their brush with cancer, making their community work fuelled by a higher sense of service. “Kids shouldn’t have to bear that pain. The moment you make contact with him, it beaks you,” said an emotional Ian.

Hennie would pass on the donations to a local children’s ward where he would spread the Christmas spirit under the Cupcakes for Hope banner. Fallen Warriors will forge ahead looking to carry their message into the community whenever they can, but most importantly to aid the self-esteem of childhood cancer suffers.

Ian, a youth pastor in training, wants to remind the young soldiers to, “Remember your beauty. All beauty comes from within.”