Gauteng motorbike group Pops and Flames marked its first anniversary by hosting a charity run on October 10 to support Epilepsy SA’s Daggafontein branch, raising donations for essential items and improving the lives of its beneficiaries.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, bikers Kamogelo Khunwana and Ntebaleng Skwambane said the anniversary aimed to share the love and support its members have for one another with the wider community.

Khunwana said they didn’t want to celebrate only among themselves. He added that the group wanted to reach out to others so they could feel the love they share as bikers.

Khunwana said the idea of hosting a charity event came from the group’s desire to do something different from its usual celebrations and riding activities.

The initiative also gave members a chance to learn more about the challenges people in their community face and better understand different circumstances.

Ntibaleng Skhwambane said the group wanted to explore how it could use its lifestyle and platform to make a positive contribution beyond the biking community.

“We need to see what is happening within our communities. By visiting places like this and learning about different situations, we can gain a different perspective on life and understand how to support people who may be going through different challenges,” she said.

She said the group identified the facility’s needs through research and communication with its management.

Khunwana said the group learned which items the facility needed most, including blankets, bedding, pillows, adult nappies, and surgical gloves staff use when caring for residents.

“The money raised came from contributions made by group members, as well as donations of items.

“We did not set a specific fundraising target because it was our first charity initiative and we were unsure how much support they would receive but were able to get the things they need,” said Khunwana.

He added that giving back was an important part of the biking community, with many motorcycle clubs supporting charitable causes.

Skhwambane also encouraged residents to show love and compassion to people who may not receive regular visits or support from their families.

“When I first came here, I saw people who had no family members coming to visit them. Sometimes, all someone needs is to be told that they are loved or that someone is there for them,” she said.

Skhwambane praised the facility’s staff for caring for more than 85 beneficiaries, saying their work demonstrated the importance of compassion and dedication.

She added that they hoped to stay in touch with the facility and offer support when possible, rather than waiting for another anniversary to contribute.

The centre manager, Nompumelelo Khumalo, thanked the group for the donation and said the residents are always happy to have visitors. She said that the centre is secluded and unknown to the public, which makes it hard for people to know the centre and its needs.

“We struggle to get donations, so every little we get, we are grateful because each donation has an impact on the beneficiary here.

“Every year we face challenges with getting funding from the Department of Social Development, so we try to keep a relationship with our donors so we can reach out when we face tough times,” explained Khumalo.

Khumalo said community support can make a difference by helping the centre learn more about epilepsy and reduce the stigma around the disease.

She encouraged local businesses to support the centre through donations or by spending time with the beneficiaries.