On the early, frosty mornings of 30th and 31st July 2022, the Olifants River Game Reserve (ORGR ) hosted 50 enthusiastic cyclists participating in the inaugural “Pedal Power” event. This was organised by the board and management team, to raise funding in support of their anti-poaching and community upliftment endeavlours.
Cyclists of all ages experienced the reserve from a unique perspective and, protected by APU personnel, they encountered some of the Big 5 and plains game en route without incident. One or two minor injuries were sustained as a result of encounters with thorny bushes!
Mastermind of this great event, ORGR board member Ally Hewitt said, “The welcome function and dinner hosted at the clubhouse on both evenings provided a great opportunity for members and friends to meet and bond. The entry-fees, plus the auction of unique experiences and beautiful photos by Gerald Hinde, helped to raise an impressive amount of money for our community outreach programs, and our continued anti-poaching efforts. We thank everyone involved and look forward to repeating this event in 2023.”
The Balule Outreach Trust (BOT), which will receive a large part of the funds raised, has been supporting sustainable projects in and around the Balule area since it was established in 2012. It is a registered Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation. It has established a firm relationship over several years with two major beneficiaries, namely Southern Cross School in Hoedspruit, and the South African Medical Expeditions (SAME) after school child care centre in Sigagule Village.
Founder and Chairperson of BOT, John Anderson says, “In addition to SAME, the Balule Outreach Trust is also involved in supplying food to the Maseke Community. We also granted funding to Nourish, an NPO operating in Sigagule, for making masks during the height of the pandemic. The Trust is well on its way to accomplishing some of our ever-evolving aims, but there is much still to be done. The valuable support we receive is the life blood which determines our success, both now and into the future.”
“Over and above the support we already provide we are always looking out for sustainable projects to get involved in, to uplift the communities around the Balule Nature Reserve. It is vital to provide correct nourishment to children especially, as poor nutrition has a negative impact on cognitive development. It is also our mission to support education relating to conservation of the areas within the region. Caring for and valuing the environment is vital to ensuring for the sustainability of the region’s natural heritage,” said Outreach Director of ORGR and BOT Trustee, Susan Harwood.
The Trust relies upon the generosity of all members of the Balule Nature Reserve conservancy, their friends and associates. The two share blocks, ONGR and ORGR are anchor donors who have committed to making substantial grants annually. For this, the Trustees are incredibly grateful and encourage those wishing to contribute (and receive a SARS 18A tax exemption certificate), to please email Susan Harwood at harwoods@netactive.co.za.
