KIDZPOSITIVE FAMILY FUND

Now your record breaking (or not-so-record-breaking) attempts can help Kidzpositive

2011-09-27T18:01:00.000+02:00

For those of you who have always dreamed of summiting Everest, competing in the Paris-Dakar or organising as many people to walk through a pit of hot coals as possible (thereby demonstrating the power of peer pressure in getting people to do stupid things) - now is your chance to do so. And and least say that your ridiculous Guinness-Book-Entry-Idea was all for a good cause anyway.

Kidzpositive is now listed as a charity on www.backabuddy.co.za and you can become a Kidzpositive Champion!

So the next time you run a marathon, knit the longest scarf in the world or simply wish to commemorate a special date, register on www.backabuddy.co.za and get your free Charity Champion page which you can then link to Kidzpositive. To contribute to your challenge or event, friends and family simply need to click on the link and go directly to your page to make a donation. Your page can easily be shared through any social networking channel including Facebook and Twitter.

Learn more at www.backabuddy.co.za

Online donations made easy - Kidzpositive is now connected to PayPal

2011-08-29T09:51:00.000+02:00

This Monday morning is filled with great news. Not only have we started planning our 2012 cycle fundraiser (which I think is going to be a HUGE event), but we're also launching our new PayPal button on Kidzpositive's website!

Go to www.kidzpositive.org and click on a little button that looks like this
and, HEY PRESTO, you can make a donation to Kidzpositive using your Mastercard, VISA or American Express credit cards.

A BIG thank you to all of those who put in so many hours of work to make this possible - Jason at Fountainhead Design (www.fountainhead.co.za) and Reime Van Rooyen at Kidzpositive's head office.

Thanks to ACA Threads, Cape Town!!!

2011-08-02T07:42:00.000+02:00

We are so grateful to ACA Threads for their very practical and loyal support. ACA give us huge bags of the 'end of reels' of their special white and black thread which is suitable for our beadwork. It has been a great saving to us to have this ready supply of thread. Thank you to the staff and management of ACA who look after our needs and we appreciate your interest in the project and ever helpful responses to our requests.

Shireen Ely of ACA Threads with Denzil Appolis and Ivan Klaasen

Shared order for IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

2011-07-06T14:29:00.000+02:00

100 000 elephant brooches in 4 weeks! – this huge order was secured by another local NGO, Learn to Earn, and they asked other projects to help. We discovered that we have some thriving entrepreneurs among our mothers – keen to take advantage of this opportunity to earn extra money.

Sylvia Rasimeni , Monelwa Canda completed over 3000 brooches between them in addition to their normal weekly beadwork. In total only 14 mothers participated and our contribution was 6800 brooches.

Help for strained eyes

2011-07-04T16:13:00.001+02:00

An exciting partnership with a local optician, Quentin Baker of Kenilworth Spec Savers, has enabled many of our mothers to acquire non-prescription readers.

By the smiles on their faces we know that this has made a huge difference to the ease of doing intricate beadwork in what are often poor lighting conditions in their homes. The elementary reading tests carried out by Lucia Matshoba, Kidzpositive mother and employee, identified some mothers who had more complicated problems.

As a result of this Philisa Mtwecu and Nosipho Ntuli were taken to the optician for tests and fitted with prescription glasses. They were delighted!

THANK YOU Quentin and

Kenilworth Spec Savers!

Mothers share their stories ...

2011-07-03T19:22:00.000+02:00

After reading a few archive issues of the annual Kidzpositive newsletter I found a number of really wonderful articles that I thought would be great to share with our newer supporters. One in particular illustrates the difficulties that mothers face everyday and how The Positive Beadwork Project is helping them work towards a more promising future.

Mothers share their Stories - Nomfuneko Salaze & Kate Grey

2006

In 2002 Nqobani Mkhwanazi, then Head Girl of St Cyprian’s School, Cape Town, facilitated the initial donation of R4000 to fund the Positive Beadwork Project. On her return visit three years later, she was quite ‘bowled over’ as to how things had developed. For the mothers it was a wonderful chance for them to share their stories with her.

Ntombumozi told of when she disclosed her status to her family. She was staying at her sister’s place and they chased her out of the house. She went to live with her aunt but she never felt accepted there. She then decided to stay on the streets. When she joined the beadwork project she realised that she could live her life by doing beadwork and earning something. With the money from beadwork she managed to build her own shack. She feels that the project has given her her life back.

Queenie said that the fact that they meet every week has strengthened them. The project has created a platform where they can share their challenges, frustrations and they support one another as sisters.

Thembi told how she is always willing to do extra samples, and said that she enjoys doing the beadwork so much that she even does it when she cannot sleep at night. When she joined the project she realised that she can earn an income to feed her children.

Thuli was so ill last year that we feared the worst. She told Nqobani how she recovered and then had to return home to the Eastern Cape later that year to bury her younger sister who died of AIDS. In spite of her difficulties, she believes that there is still much to celebrate in life – the fact that her son is fit and healthy on his ARV treatment and her joy in being able to give him a birthday party with some of the money she had made from selling beadwork.

Patience said that she was fired at work because she often used to be away as she was always sick. When she joined the project she realised that she can earn an income to feed her children.

Nqobani continues as an Aids Activist. Midst her studies and A IDs work with Pieter Dirk Uys, she went to Australia in July (2006) at the request of Ballarat Grammar School and embarked on an intensive
2 week tour speaking about the pandemic and the Beadwork Project. As a result our orders from Australia continue to increase and recently included 5 000 flags of 33 different countries to be sold at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March 2006.

Claremont Rotary comes to the Pedal party - for the second time

2011-06-15T08:13:00.001+02:00

A generous 'agterskot' donation from the Rotary Club of Claremont has brought us another R 25 000 closer to our fund-raising target.

Thank you, Rotarians!

Creeping up to our fund-raising target

2011-06-02T20:39:00.000+02:00

A month after completing our 'Bike for a Bakkie' ride, it seems sensible and age-appropriate to be sitting by the fire, thinking of other things.
We now have around R 120 000 safely banked, with more pledges steadily drifting in. Before too long there should be enough for the Keiskamma Trust to go shopping. And soon after that, we should have photographs to post of something with four wheels, rather than two.

'Bike for a Bakkie' Fund-raising news from Norway

2011-05-28T08:31:00.000+02:00

Thanks to a very generous donation made by 'Friends from Norway' we have just about reached our initial goal of raising R 150 000 to buy the Keiskamma Trust a replacement for the pick-up truck they use to transport patients to clinics and hospital.

We are most grateful to all our supporters for their generosity.

Almost like the Argus: Pom-pom girl cheers us on South of Beaufort West

2011-05-06T07:53:00.000+02:00

En route from Rondawel to Prince Albert we crossed the national road between Outshoorn and Beaufort West. At the crossing, we were met by a cheering crowd of four enthusiastic fans, including Edwina, our pom-pom/baloon girl.

The scene called to mind one of the feeding stations on the Argus Pick and Pay Cycle Tour. Except that this was a little less crowded; and that one does not get to eat marshmallow Easter Eggs going up Chappies.

Edwina is officially our First Fan.

Thank you Sharon and Jeremy of the Klaarstroom Guest House for bringing her 30 kilometers up the track to cheer us on.

A week ago, on the way to Anysberg

2011-05-05T09:47:00.000+02:00

The teams split up. The A team proceeded along the Waddilovian route, cross-country and over locked gates and high fences, while the B team stuck with the support vehicle, on roads a Toyota Condor could navigate.

The A team had about 10 hours of riding to do that day, but could occasionally give their bikes a rest.

From a week ago: More senior citizens behaving strangely

2011-05-04T11:10:00.000+02:00

Really, couldn't someone just have told this old codger to go and lie down somewhere? Quietly?

Hoffie leads the way up to the top of the Gamkaskloof 'ladder', the valley lies behind him. No problem for the Man of Iron.

A week ago today, senior citizens behaving oddly...

2011-05-04T07:51:00.000+02:00

Steve heading up the 'ladder' to get out of 'Die Hel' - Gamkaskloof - at its western end

The homecoming ...

2011-05-03T23:06:00.000+02:00

'Twas a cold grey afternoon in Cape Town as a lone vuvuzela heralded the arrival of our very brave Pedal for Peddie 2011 Team.

A group of die hard supporters yelled their encouragement through the rain as Paul, Debbie, Steve and Hoffie cycled that LAST 1 km up the hill (Murphy's law) to the entrance of Groote Schuur Hospital and into the welcoming arms of Sister Isaacs and her team of healthcare workers.

And what a welcome home it was! Some well deserved cups of tea were passed around and tummies filled with goodies as everyone got a chance to thank our cyclists for their sterling efforts.

We are happy to report that by our calculation we have ALMOST reached our target with a kitty of
R123 000.00 so far!

Thank you to all the the staff and supporters of Kidzpositive Family Fund and The Keiskamma Trust for all your hard work! And to Debbie, Hoffie, Steve and Paul ...

You inspire us all to do great things!

Thank you!

This time last week...

2011-05-03T16:16:00.000+02:00

We had cycled up the Swartberg Pass in the morning...

... and were cheerfully posing for this photo, at the gates of Hel, in the afternoon

Zog the frog blogs with eyes a-bulge

2011-05-02T18:08:00.000+02:00

A strange thing happened on the way to Philadelphia this morning.

One moment there were four cyclists, then there were three...

Zog's eyes bulged an additional 8.75 mm.

Table Mountain as we see her

2011-05-01T17:47:00.000+02:00

'Are we there yet?' Is the question on Zog's vermillion lips.

'Not far now Zoggie, that grey smudge on the horizon is Table Mountain.'

Table Mountain in sight

2011-05-01T15:12:00.000+02:00

Day 11 cycling is over, really quite gentle, approximately 60 kilometers from Tulbagh, up to Brambleberry Farm. Table Mountain is enticingly in view.

The A team followed the Waddilovian route over a little known track and along the backroads. The B team took turns to drive the back-up vehicle and enjoyed a Zoggian cappuccino in Riebeeck Kasteel, before churning up the Bothmaskloof pass to reach Brambleberry.

Around 85 kilometers left to go. According to Hoffie's computer we have covered approximately 900 km and climbed more than 8500 metres - as high as Mount Everest - over the past 11 days

At least some of us will arrive exactly on time (3pm) at the Groote Schuur Hospital Palm Court tomorrow afternoon, even if we have to charter a helicopter to get there.

Day 10 Blues

2011-04-30T19:36:00.000+02:00

Yet another eventful day. The 'recce' team (Hoffie and Steve, now joined by Hoffie's friend Jacques) set out at 9am in an attempt to follow a new and probably impossible route.

Meanwhile, team B was taking turns to drive and ride, the previous drivers having returned home. Some fifty kilometers and two hours on they sat to await the arrival of their fitter teammates. Three hours later, still no 'recce' group. A close-as-we-could-make-it grid search commenced.

Eventually a call come through, once the A team had reached a cell phone signal. Their prowess had been over estimated. Six hours after setting out, they still had another 6 hours of riding and with only three hours before nightfall. In the last stretch they would have to traverse the old Witzenberg Pass.

So the B team 'road-lifted' the A team some forty kilometers, to a point where they had a chance of traversing the pass in safety.

.. that ends well: They arrived at our overnight stop at 18:30, nearly 11 hours after starting out.

Two more days of cycling left...

Steve's log, Day 7, 8 and 9

2011-04-30T06:45:00.000+02:00

Day 7: When we woke the next morning there was snow on the mountaintops, and the temperature had dropped even further, with a strong cold westerly wind. We said goodbye to Stephanus and Elize who drove out of the valley (it is a cul de sac for cars) and we headed in the other direction for an exit from the valley via a steep donkey track. Here we had to carry our bikes up a steep rocky path for over an hour, before we could start riding again. We eventually joined the Bosluyskloof road and waited for our rendezvous with the vehicle at the entrance to the Seweweekspoort. Alas they were not there due to a miscommunication with our new team of drivers, Brett and Arno from Worcester. So after an hour’s wait by the roadside we then rode the last 40km of undulating district road alongside the Klein Swartberg, including a wonderful long downhill run of 5km with the cold wind screaming at our ears. We arrived at a beautiful farm called Rouxpos, where we were warmly welcomed by Ronelle and Gerard Roux, who were friends of Hoffie from their varsity days. We were treated to the most delicious dinner of braaied lamb chops and boerewors, together with roosterbrood, salads and waffles for pudding. Gerard farms apricots and makes the famous apricot rolls, which consist of dried apricots rolled out into flat sheets.

Quote of the day: “Al mag ons nie kan klipgooi nie, kan ons maar fietsry” (Steve to Hoffie after throwing stones and never hitting the target while waiting for Paul)

The eighth day: Started very cold again with the threat of rain and a strong wind, but it soon warmed up as we travelled by district road further westwards between the Klein Swartberge and the Elandberge. There were typical Karoo scenes of vast flat empty valleys, and only the occasional windmill or small dwelling as points of interest. Hoffie and Steve again took the road less travelled and headed off into the Anysberg wilderness for a , while Paul and Debbie stuck to the district roads. The Anysberg Nature Reserve is run by Cape Nature, and encompasses a vast area of semi-arid mountains and plains. They offer a wide range of accommodation which is quite basic but nicely done. We were put up at Tapfontein which was 6km up a bad road, but charmingly rustic, with each of us having a little hut and the whole place to ourselves. Our evening meal of an enormous amount of chicken stew was made by Meisie at the Anysberg office, who was clearly aware of the appetites of cyclists.

Quote of the day: “Hou net aan links draai so ver as God land gegee het” (Mrs Fourie who lives on her own in a house in the middle of nowhere, giving directions to Hoffie and Steve)

Day 9: By now we should have known, but the ninth day totaled 120km according to David Waddilove’s route across the Klein Karoo to Touws Rivier. Hoffie and Steve again took the long way around while Paul and Debbie stuck to the district roads. In the first 4 hours of riding the first two saw no-one or any vehicle at all. Having crossed the Touws Rivier (it was dry) lower down than the town on the N1, the surrounding countryside consisted of sand, stones and succulents. And sometimes there were no succulents, no vegetation at all. A tail wind from the south west helped a lot when the road or track went in the right direction. There was still snow on the Matroosberg as we cycled by, so it was a chilly day by Karoo standards. Finally, after some dodgy directions from farmhands, Hoffie and Steve arrived at the destination at 5.30pm having been cycling for 9 hours. The overnight stop was Karoo One, next to the N1 just near Touws River town, and it was luxurious compared to anything we had stayed in before.

Quote of the day: “A proper tailwind is one that can get you up a gradient without pedaling”

Steve's log, Day 1 to Day 6

2011-04-29T21:17:00.000+02:00

Day 1

Our first day of riding started on the coast at Hamburg, which is a village at the mouth of the Keiskamma river. Here the Keiskamma Trust, a sister organization of Kidzpositive, supports a number of arts and other local development projects, many of which are coordinated by Dr Carol Baker-Hofmeyr. We visited a few of these projects, and were impressed by the initiatives and beautiful artwork that is being produced. The next morning we were given a raucous send-off by the village, complete with singing, dancing, sweeping the road clear ahead of us (symbolically with brooms!), and photos. A number of local boys joined us on their bicycles as we wound our way out of the village next to the Keiskamma river lagoon and up the hill away from the sea past the village of Bodiam. 17km later we got back into the vehicle and drove back through Port Elizabeth to pick up the Freedom Challenge route near Middelwater farm in the Elands River valley.

Quote of the day: Klim oor my f****** draad, dan k** jy! (sign by the side of the road)

We set off in the early afternoon near a farm called Middelwater and climbed up a steep pass to find magnificent views over the Patensie area all the way down to the sea. Here the party split, with Debbie and Paul going down the road towards Patensie while Hoffie and Steve took the Osseberg jeep track down the mountain. The latter two had numerous adventures down this steep little used track, including fording the Groot Rivier 11 times as daylight faded and night fell, getting lost in the forest and running out of battery for the (single) headlight. They eventually arrived elated but exhausted at the overnight accommodation (Kudu Kaya) in the dark at 8pm, only an hour after the former two. We all ate heartily and slept soundly.

Hoffie won the Zog for dropping his cellphone down the toilet, but taking his cycling gloves off before retrieving it. Such priorities.

Dave Waddilove’s mother was there organizing the team of local women to cater for the groups of cyclists who come through, and it was good to meet her in the morning. After waiting for our back-up team of Stephanus (Hoffie’s son) and Elize to arrive from Port Elizabeth, we set off later than we had expected on a long day through the Baviaanskloof. This was an extreme day of mountain passes, one after the other, through steep-sided gorges over a total of 1320m of climbing up the most amazing roads leading to spectacular views. The Baviaanskloof is a large protected area of indigenous bush, a so-called “mega-reserve”, and there were plenty of holiday makers in their 4-wheel drives, as this was the first day of the Easter weekend. After emerging from the mountain passes we cycled the last flat 15km to Studtis in the dark, arriving at around 7pm by headlight after an exhausting 83km for the day. Here we were warmly greeted by Hestelle van Rensberg of the farm Damsedrif, who fed us a delicious meal, washed our clothes and told us stories of other cyclists that made us laugh.

Quote of the day: “Hulle vreet soos honde” (Hestelle talking about the Freedom Challenge riders)

After a full breakfast we got going relatively early along the valley in a westerly direction, climbing slowly but steadily, and threaded our way eventually through the narrow Nuwe Kloof. After lunch in the kloof we climbed up onto the plateau of the real Karoo. A flat straight stretch against the wind took us to the N8 and into Willowmore, where we were stayed over at the Willows Historical Hotel having done 85km in total for the day. The history largely seemed to relate to the glorious days of apartheid, but we ate and rested well.

Quote of the day: Die man wat ‘n harde fiets ry is yster! (referring to Paul, without shocks)

Day 4 was our first experience of the real Karoo off the tar road, complete with corrugations, loose sand and a challenging headwind. It was also our longest day in terms of distance, covering almost 100km from Willowmore to just north of Klaarstroom. We arrived at the farm Rondavel in the afternoon and were greeted by Chris Marincowitz, who turned out to the cousin of a medical colleague of Hoffie and Steve’s by the name of Gert Marincowitz. Chris is about 6 foot 6 inches tall, wonderfully hospitable and friendly, and his son Gerrit is even taller but more reticent. They were somewhat challenged in hosting us as Chris’ wife was away in the Cape, but rose to the occasion magnificently with an enormous braai and koeksisters for desert. Rondavel is a typical old Karoo farm, seemingly isolated in the middle of a vast plain of low scrub, and still using a single cylinder Lister engine generator for electricity (lights out at 10pm then candles).

Quote of the day: “Stay away from me!” (Paul to Debbie after the second crash)

After leaving Rondavel, we found Chris Marincowitz out along the road waiting for us to say good bye. What a nice man (apparently all the ladies of the Karoo think so too!).

The fifth day consisted of three main factors that made it more challenging than we had anticipated:

1. A constant significant headwind

2. Soft sandy roads, like beachsand

3. Corrugations in the sand

When to these three was added the slightest gradient, it became difficult to maintain a forward momentum at all at times, leading to sudden radical lateral movements in the sand. Debbie’s knee pain from the previous fall got worse, and she had to stop 10km from Prince Albert. We arrived in the afternoon in this pretty town, and put up at Dennehof guest house, where we were very graciously hosted by Ria. She cooked us the most delicious meal of the trip, and we felt truly pampered that night.

Quote of the day: “Aan die eensamheid is ek al gewoond” (Gerrit, as we left Rondavel)

Day six was entirely different, starting with an enormously strenuous climb up the spectacular Prince Albert pass, 1000 vertical metres on a dirt road designed by Thomas Baines. The weather had changed and it was freezing cold and windy on top. Paul had the first puncture of the trip and by the time we got going again we were all very cold. Then followed another 32km of steep ascents and descents across the top of the mountain complete with headwind and some rain, to the top of a major descent, from which we got a beautiful view of the Gamkaskloof valley. The 5km descent into the valley was exhilarating, down an incredible zigzag pass. Until 1962 this valley was only accessible by donkey path, having been settled originally in 1830 by a small number of reclusive families. Apparently it was named Hell by a cattle inspector in the 1940’s who visited monthly, and said when he returned that he had “gone to hell and back”. A small community of mainly Marais’ lived here, including a small school which was closed as recently as 1980. Being in the valley is like stepping back in time to a previous era. We stayed in Sankie Marais’ house, a very simple abode which has been nicely restored, as have all the other historic houses in the valley. They are now run by Cape Nature and can be rented by holiday makers, of which there were many who passed us on the road in 4 wheel drives and some motor bikes.

Quote of the day: “It would have been better with shocks” (Paul, immediately after descending the 1000m pass into the Gamkaskloof, where this admission was shaken out of him).

Back in the Blogosphere...

2011-04-29T18:57:00.000+02:00

We disappeared into Gamkaskloof on Tuesday 26th and have only just re-emerged into the cell phone and internet world today, Friday 29th at Karoo One, a resort lying between Touwsrivier and the Hex River Valley.

Gamkaskloof - also known as Die Hel - was an experience never to be equalled (or to be repeated, by some of us - ever, at all, at all). Everything there was higher (the passes) deeper (the descents) and colder, it turns out than anything we had previously experienced.

Some observations:

1. Hell did freeze over while we were in it - we can all attest to that. Beware you teachers, professors, parents and girlfriends who made less than charitable predictions regarding the fulfillment of our aspirations, hopes and desires. What you are hearing is not the roar of aircraft engines. No, it is the beating of a thousand wings, as your many, many chickens come home to roost.

2. Getting out of Hell is hellish difficult. Riding a bicycle should not entail carrying it 600 vertical meters on your back up something called a 'ladder' with rungs consisting of boulders, scree and shale.

3. Cyclists, everyone agrees, 'eat like dogs'... Photos to follow.

4. The best downhill section on the Freedom Trail lies between Seweweekspoort and Rouxpos. Hoffie's attempt at the World downhill record was foiled by a headwind. He achieved a mere 58 kilometers per hour.

6. Gerhard Roux of Rouxpos cooks a men braai. Ronelle his wife is the waffle queen.

5. The Anysberg Reserve has extremely fat Gemsbok. 'Meisie' the cook to cyclists visiting Anysberg office is clearly a 'big picture' and large portion person. Perhaps she is feeding the Gemsbok as well.

6. Karoo One is a very good place for R and R, Debbie thinks perhaps we should just stay here.

7. Fund raising is going well. According to reports, we have so far received pledges North of R 100 000.

More later, from Tulbagh....

New photos from The Road ...

2011-04-26T10:21:00.000+02:00

The back road to Prince Albert

The team taking a break at Sleutelfontein!

Typical countryside views

The Looooooong Swartbeg Pass that the team are facing today!

Over the Swartberg Pass and Far Away

2011-04-26T06:30:00.000+02:00

We ride 25 kilometers up the Swartberg Pass this morning (Tuesday 26th April). At the top of the pass, we turn West and ride into Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) for another 50 kilometers over more mountains and hills before reaching our overnight B+B - called Hell's Kitchen. It sounds as though they would not have much of an electricity bill, even if Eskom power were ever to reach them.

Next morning (27th April) we celebrate Freedom Day by carrying our bikes up a donkey trail, out of the Western end of the Kloof.

For once, Zog the Indomitable will be unable to join us, because the support vehicle must drive back to the Swartberg Pass, down its Southern leg and West via Calitzdorp and the Huis River Pass. We will eventually meet up with the Condor and new drivers at the junction of Seweweekspoort and the Bosluiskloof Pass. Thank you Stef and Elise for all your support over the last hundreds of kilometers.

There is no cell phone or internet access in 'Die Hel' so our next post on the blog will be on Wednesday night. Happy Freedom Day everyone...

Zog, the Frog that Blogs

2011-04-25T16:54:00.000+02:00

Every frog must have his day, so the saying goes.

Zog nearly had his, and might have floated to freedom this morning, when a 25 litre water container burst and flooded the Condor. Sadly it was not to be. Zoggy remains with us, the frog that blogs where no other has blogged before, pioneer of the species Xenopus Norris

Update from Prince Albert: Bike for a Bakkie Senior Tour rides on

2011-04-25T16:30:00.000+02:00

We arrived in Willowmore on Saturday the 23rd after a lot of kilometers (one stops counting after a while) and the Nuwekloof Pass, out of the dreaded Baviaanskloof. For a change we arrived in daylight. Wonderful accommodation at 'The Willows' great food, especially the 'plaasbotter' for which one would happily die - and would quite soon, if one were to eat as much as one would like.

The next day, Easter Sunday, we covered 96 flattish kilometers to the farm Rondawel, via a hamlet called Vondeling. This was another long day, mainly because of a fresh headwind as the cold front currently bringing rain to Cape Town moves East. We enjoyed excellent hospitality from the Marincowitz family, with father Chris and son Gerhard standing in for Elna.

We have just arrived in Prince Albert, where we are staying in a splendid Guest House called Dennehof. If you want to be spoilt, this is the place to come. Play your cards right and you don't even have to ride your bike 410 kilometers - our total so far - to get here. If you come from Cape Town via the N1 and Prince Albert road, it is about 410 km by car... And about five days quicker.

Tomorrow, 26th April, we enter Gamkaskloof - a.k.a. Die Hel. Internet and cell phone silence descend again and we next surface at a place called Rouxpos, near Vleiland on Freedom Day, the 27th.

Wish us good knees...

The Baviaanskloof is tough territory

2011-04-23T20:46:00.000+02:00

We have been out of cell-phone and internet range in the Baviaanskloof for two days. Now in Willowmore, 245 km into our journey. Yesterday we crossed 2 boggling mountain passes and ended up doing the last 15 km in the dark. Our hostess Hestelle at 'Dam se Drif' was wondering what had happened to us. So were we. On day 1, Steve and Hoffie took a road less travelled and also arrived 2 hours after dark. We climbed many meters each day - Hoffie's computer said more than 1000 meters on each. My knees say double that. Tomorrow's stage is ninety-something kilometers, but mostly on the flat

Overnight stop 1 has been reached!

2011-04-22T17:03:00.000+02:00

The team reached Cambria last night with 75 km under the belt after an epic route through the Elandskloof wilderness area via the Osseberg jeep track! They won't have reception until Saturday morning so we'll have to wait for updates until then!

Last but certainly not least ... Introducing Prof. Hoffie Conradie!

2011-04-21T09:26:00.000+02:00

Associate Professor Hoffie Conradie is a short but very fit 60-year old family physician who works at the provincial hospital in Worcester. He is busy developing a very innovative teaching platform for medical and allied health students of the University of Stellenbosch called the Rural Clinical School, based not only in Worcester but also in all the surrounding small towns.

He is passionate about mountain biking and is by far the fittest of all four of us, having taken part in many MTB races. He used to work as a GP in the Peddie district, so he knows many of the areas that we will cycle through.

Word from the Peddie team from the road to Hamburg!

2011-04-20T09:16:00.000+02:00

The bush telegraph (a.k.a an e-mail from Dr. Roux) tells us that our intrepid team arrived in Klaarstroom safely last night and will depart for Hamburg early this morning. They had a chance for a photo op with the Worcester Standard while on their travels yesterday - featured were our beautiful branded Condor and Prof. Hoffie's legs!

Safe travels to the team and thank you to the Worcester Standard for their support!

The airwaves are abuzz with news of a Pedal for Peddie team appearing in a town near you!

2011-04-19T18:45:00.000+02:00

Tune in to Radio KC Paarl (107.7fm) on Tursday morning at 8:10 for the 'low down' on the Bike for a Bakie, Pedal for a Pickup ride and find out how you and your friends can continue to support the project!

Thank you Radio Tygerberg (Mon) and The Voice of the Cape (today) who helped us spread the word on air ! Remeber to 'like' our Facebook page www.facebook.com/kidzpositive and an anonymous donor will increase her contribution by 10% for every 100 'likes'!

Why we love Sportsmans Warehouse ...

2011-04-18T19:41:00.000+02:00

A big thank you to Lindie Meyer and the team at Sportsmans Warehouse for their very generous donation of a variety of cycling accessories including bike cleaning, puncture and repair materials (which we're sure will come in VERY handy along the way!)

Be sure to invite your friends and family to follow our blog from the 21st April to the 2nd May ... in the words of the (very-excited-be-leaving-for-Peddie-tomorrow Dr. Paul Roux) - 'We will do our best to make it entertaining: Hopefully more of a comedy-thriller than a horror story.'

Stay tuned ....

The real Debbie Nash

2011-04-17T16:28:00.000+02:00

This is Debbie Nash, the junior member of our Senior Tour. She is an Occupational Therapist with more than twenty years in practice. On calm April mornings she helps the Claremont Rotary Club to manage the start of the Argus Cycle Tour. When there is a gale blowing, she rides, preferably when wind speeds exceed 70 kilometers an hour.

Is the Bike for a Bakkie team fit and ready?

2011-04-17T13:54:00.000+02:00

Hoffie: The Cape Fold Mountains hold no mystery for him. He lives in Worcester and has those hills for breakfast. Steve: Lean, mean, prefers off-off-off road, would rather use his compass than a track. Paul: Follow the Comrades recipe, aim to arrive slightly undertrained and overweight, start slow and taper. Debbie: Chuck who? She will go where no Norris has gone before...

Our Toyota Condor - preening in preparation for the mountains

2011-04-17T12:06:00.000+02:00

The mighty Toyota Condor, our back-up vehicle for the 2011 'Bike for a Bakkie' Tour. Resplendent in its new livery and ready for the Cape Fold Mountains. We thank the Rotary Club of Claremont for its generous support, from individual members and from the Community Service Committee.

The Tour de France and Pedal for Peddie

2011-04-17T11:42:00.000+02:00

What's the difference between the Tour de France and Pedal for Peddie, Bike for a Bakkie?

No rest days on Bike for a Bakkie

Celebrity Oops

2011-04-17T08:26:00.001+02:00

What would a PR exercise be without the odd slip-up? The photo previously posted over the Debbie Nash bio was of Glenda Dollar, veteran of the 2010 inaugural Pedal for Peddie ride. Glenda is not riding this year - not enough hills for her on the Freedom Trail

Debbie Nash ... rose among the thorns ...

2011-04-16T23:14:00.001+02:00

Debbie Nash graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for over 20 years.

Her career highlights include running her own hospital-based Occupational Therapy practice and providing specialised programmes to one of Cape Town’s top psychological and behavioural treatment facilities.

Her recent year as President of the Rotary Club of Claremont has equipped her to deal with grumpy old men. She is a natural sportswoman, a squash player and veteran of two Argus Pick and Pay Cycle Tours - both in gale force winds!

A weather eye

2011-04-16T17:34:00.000+02:00

In the Autumn an old man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of the weather forecast. For 21 April, the day our Bike for a Bakkie Senior team leaves Hamburg, a 54 kilometer per hour headwind is predicted for Port Elizabeth. This is no challenge for Debbie Nash. She did her first Argus Cycle Tour in a 70 kilometer an hour gale. That was the year Chuck Norris bailed.

Hamburg youth prepare send-off for Bakkie Bikers

2011-04-15T06:17:00.000+02:00

A fleet of bicycles is being assembled in Hamburg to see the Bike for a Bakkie team on its way next Thursday (21st April). A number of local cyclists have been spotted repairing their equipment, sprucing up their bikes, warming up for the event. How many will turn out for the start? How far will they ride along with us? Will they make it up Bodiam Hill? Will we? All these questions will be answered on the day - pictures to follow.

Another R41 90.00 raised from Rotary Claremont!

2011-04-13T20:18:00.002+02:00

Thank you to the following individuals for their support :

James Robertson
John Jacobs
Denver Meyer
James Louw
Lester Cameron
Anton Andlinger
Alois Kornmuller
Lionel Morkel
George Viljoen
Henry Septoe
John Ryall
Brian and Gill Bohlman
Peter Rogers
Mark Lancaster
Maurice Berghof
Frank Muggleston
Karin Webber
Lionel Overmeyer
Suzy Himely
Eion Brown
Roy Cheek
Liz Rose
Jo Maxwell
Chris du Plessis
Peter Trebble
David Owen
Bill Phillips
Theresa du Toit

Introducing . . . Dr. Paul Roux - the Argus expert !

2011-04-13T20:12:00.002+02:00

Dr. Paul Roux, definitely the tallest of our team, is the Director and Senior Pediatrician at Groote Schuur Hospital pediatric HIV/AIDS services. He is also a co-founder of Pediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA) and the co-founder and Chairman of Kidzpositive Family Fund.

Paul is a passionate and positive person, and a force to be reckoned with when he is on a mission to raise money and provide better services and treatment to children who are HIV positive, and hope to their families.

Paul, a keen cyclist, has completed 19 Pick and Pay Argus cycle tours in some mean times. This will be his second ‘Pedal for Peddie’ 1000km cycle challenge. With his awesome sense of humor and positive outlook he is definitely going to be the dragging force behind this team.

And some more donors to thank ...

2011-04-12T16:28:00.001+02:00

Another HUGE thank you to the following individual donors, most of whom work in the Department of Health and the Provincial Government Western Cape!

N.Penton
T.Mbatana
Yasmina Johnson
A. Jooste
W.Kampher
C.Mouton
P.Peidt
E.David
B.Marshed
Alfanso Patience
Carol Cragg
Surina Neethliy
Haudri Liebenberg
Sandria Theron
Luise Lumon
Ian de Vage
Elma De Vries
E.Phillips
Janine Joemat
Annie & Luntu
Johan van Nieken
James Kruger
Danie Schoeman
Erna Peters
Dirk Hagemeister
K.Grammer
E.Kriel
H.Moeng
L.Dudley
Jamie Mouton
Hamlie Brits
H. Van Westhuizen
Elvira Whittles
K.Hermanus
N.Wilson
T.Qukula
NE.Msindo-Mayengo
Dannie Theron
Rian Duvenage
Jacues du Toit
Emma Mostel
Richard Burzelman
JW.Gqodwana
Klass Van Pressentin
Hands Hendricks
Gio Perez
Keeten Cloet
Joey Cupido
Juanita Arends
Jammy Ledwaba
J.Harsza
Marina Johnson
L.Naude
Engela Kienis
Marlena Sammkels
Maureen Aucorp
Stefan Venter
Ahmed Adam
G.Khan
Charles Williams
Trish de Villiers
Sarah Crawford-Brown
M.Pather
E.Malek
N.Schruere
James Irlam
Frank Molteno
David Pienaar
Dr.Graham Bresick
L.Wilson
Srini Govender
Renitte Crous
Carine Bester
Prof. Leslie London
Prof. Graham Fieggen
R.Rossou

Welcome to our Hall of Fame and thank you again for your support!

Introducing ... Prof. Steve Reid - Downhill Cyclist Extraordinaire!

2011-04-11T21:24:00.000+02:00

Prof Steve Reid is tall, fifty something family physician and a keen mountain biker. He rides a 29-niner, mountain bike jargon for a bike with big wheels. Downhill we will definitely not be able to keep up with him!

He is Director of Primary Health Care at the University of Cape Town since 2010. Before that he worked in KwaZulu-Natal, first in a district hospital and then as head of the Centre For Rural Health. Steve is a real visionary of primary health care and is passionate about rural health.

He is the chairperson of the Collaboration for Health Equity through Education and Research (CHEER), an interuniversity collaboration to improve selection and training of health professionals for rural and underserved communities.

Good luck with those mountains Prof. Steve!

Fuel for Peddie Peddlers

2011-04-11T15:54:00.000+02:00

For consumption by four cyclists during 11 days in the saddle: Bar Ones - 120; Chocolate brownies - 200; Baked 'crunchies' - 200; Litres of Energade - 75; Sundry items of 'padkos' from overnight hosts... And we are worried about what the bikes weigh?

Thank you to our donors so far ...

2011-04-10T19:55:00.000+02:00

A BIG thank you to Cathy and David Ackerman Robins who have donated R5 000.00 from The Ackerman Family Foundation and The Rotary Club Claremont who have pledged R10 000.00 from their Community Service Committee. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Tune in tomorrow for the first of four profiles on the cyclists for Team Peddie 2011!

Sponsors and donors support 'Bike for a Bakkie'

2011-04-08T17:53:00.001+02:00

We are happy and grateful that more than R 25 000 has so far been pledged toward our fund-raising goal. The Peddie health district is home to some 250 000 people living in 119 remote hill-top villages. It is not easy for the rural sick to get to clinics or hospital . The Keiskamma Trust 'bakkie' which is used for patient transport has clocked up 240 000 km, is on its last legs and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Place your bets please

2011-04-07T19:48:00.000+02:00

Four intrepid cyclists set off on the 2011 Pedal for Peddie Ride (a.k.a 'Senior Tour') on 21 April. For as little as one cent per kilometer you can now become our sleeping (or gently resting on your couch) partner while we pedal and perspire on the Freedom Trail. As we report on our progress, you will have many opportunities to reflect on how wise you were to resist the temptation to join us. However, should your resolve weaken, bookings are now open for the 2012 Ride.

Epic 'Prologue' sets the tone

2011-04-07T19:29:00.000+02:00

Marc and Ben Mendelson, riding for Kidzpositive as one of only five parent-child teams, completed the Cape Epic in 52 hours, 24 minutes and some seconds. This is a tremendous achievement, considering that 160 of the 600 teams that entered the Epic failed to finish. The 'Senior Tour' - sets off from Hamburg in the Peddie district on 21 April from Hamburg, heading for Cape Town via the Baviaanskloof, Willowmore, Prince Albert. the Swartberg Pass, Gamkaskloof, Vleiland, Anysberg and Tulbagh. We hope to do as well as Marc and Ben.

Bike for a Bakkie Senior Tour

2011-04-05T13:13:00.000+02:00

A note from the Team: The Prologue (otherwise known as the Cape Epic) is now over and we serious cyclists can get into detailed planning for the Bike for a Bakkie Tour (AKA 'The Senior Tour'). One discovery made this week is that our route includes a 10km (?) portage out of the Gamkaskloof along what's known as the Donkey Trail. (I think this name means that anyone sensible will take another option - by car for example, in the opposite direction). The thought of carting a bicycle up a mountain reminds one of carrying tarred telephone poles up and down the Suikerbosrant outside Heidelberg in the old Transvaal.

Learn about KAT - The Keiskamma Aids Treatment Program

2011-04-04T21:25:00.000+02:00

The Keiskamma Health Programme works in the Peddie district of the Eastern Cape to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for people affected by HIV/AIDS. We do this in several ways: through a network of dedicated village health workers at the Umtha Welanga Treatment centre, through prevention and education programmes and in conjunction with the work of Dr. Carol Baker, the only primary health care doctor for 10 villages in our area.

There are currently 5. 7 million South Africans infected with HIV.
280 000 of them are children.
Over 1.4 million children have been orphaned by AIDS.
1000 South Africans die every single day because of AIDS related illnesses.
In our district of Peddie 35% of pregnant women are HIV positive.

The Keiskamma Health Programme Overview

The Peddie district of Eastern Cape has approximately 200,000 people living mostly in rural villages in an area of approximately 3600 square miles. The unemployment in this area is as high as 90% and the majority of people live off government grants or old age pensions of grandparents. Access to medical treatment is severely restricted by poverty and inability to travel to sites offering care.

The Keiskamma Health Programme began in 2005 when AIDS counsellor Eunice Mangwane and Dr. Carol Baker began to provide ARVs (Anti-retroviral) and palliative care to AIDS patients in their own homes and with their own funds, with help from a handful of supporters. It soon grew to become the Umtha Welanga Treatment Centre which has to this date initiated over 700 patients and boasts an adherence success rate of over 90%. The programme also employs 43 village health workers who have home-based care training, and are often ex-patients themselves, with first hand and expert knowledge of HIV/AIDS.

Building capacity in local structures is one of our major priorities. We are already integrated to a high degree with the local primary care clinics, and have built a solid relationship with our local hospital. We are proud of the fact that our involvement is one of the factors that has led to the hospital receiving accreditation as an ARV rollout site.

Learn more about The Keiskamma Aids Treatment Program at http://www.keiskamma.org/health.

Our Justgiving.com donors!

2011-04-03T20:41:00.002+02:00

Thank you to our first two donors at Justgiving.com who have contributed £150.00 to our cause! That's R1 600.00!

If you would like to donate, visist : www.justgiving.com/Bike-for-a-bakkie-Pedal-for-a-Pickup

Support the Bike for a Bakkie, Pedal for a Pickup Fundraiser!

2011-03-25T21:30:00.000+02:00

How can you help?

SUPPORT our team by :

Inviting friends to our Facebook page
Posting your comments on our Blog and Twitter posts

DONATE via :

www.justgiving.com
Paypal on www.keiskamma.org - please mark your donation 'PEDAL'
EFT or Bank Deposit - please mark your donation 'PEDAL'

Keiskamma Trust
Bank: First National Bank
Branch Code: 250109
Account Number: 62059966097
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ

Thank you for your continued support and don't forget to tell your friends!

Pedal for Peddie rides again in 2011!

2011-03-23T23:45:00.000+02:00

Watch this space for details of our 'Bike for a Bakkie, Pedal for a Pickup' fundraiser in 2011!

Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter too!

Sunday 02 May

2010-05-02T19:03:00.000+02:00

A great finish to a great tour! We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and stunning scenery as we passed Rooiels and Gordon's Bay. The team made very good time today as we headed back into Cape Town along Main Road this morning. We were very priviledged to have Helen Zille pedalling with us for the last few kilometers up towards our finish at Groote Schuur Hospital. We are so appreciative that she took time out of her busy schedule to join us in our quest to raise awareness and support for children and their families who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Thank you to Sr Susan Isaacs, Vuyiswa Mboji, Lil Hobbs and Zurina Isaacs for organising a wonderful welcoming party. Dr Paul Roux delivered a message to Helen Zille written by Dr Carol Baker of the Keiskamma Trust (based in Hamburg in the Eastern Cape). This message has been carried by the cycling team over the entire 1000km. The Cycle Tour thereby symbolises a link between the Easten and Western Cape,as well as between rural and urban health care initiatives. It also demonstrates solidarity between organisations that work with common purpose to alleviate the burden of HIV and AIDS. Thank you to all those who have participated in and sponsored this cycle tour so far. Further contributions would still be welcomed. Banking details -"The Kidzpositive Family Fund",Nedbank, Salt River, Current Account, Branch code:102-109, Universal Code: 198-765, Account number: 1021 275 743 Reference: “Peddie” and your name. For further information please phone Ronelle on 021 686 9710.

Saturday 01 May- Betty's Bay

2010-05-01T22:16:00.001+02:00

Another 105km closer to home base. Paul "a machine" - his legs working as powerful pistons setting a blistering pace! Dave, "the physiological extremist"- 70+km/hr downhill one day and 6km/hr uphill the next. Steve "a pillar of strength" mentally and physically yet consistently putting his own agenda and ability aside in order to prioritise the needs of the rest of the team - a wonderful example of a true leader. Glenda "with renewed strength" surged up the hill to a strong finish at Rooiels for the day. Thanks to Kirsty Paxton and her family for making their house in Betty's Bay available for us to spend the night.
One more sleep before the last leg of the tour to finish at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town tomorrow!

Friday 30th- Riviersonderend

2010-04-30T20:54:00.000+02:00

Today we would like to re-name "Riviersonderend" as "Heuwel-sonderend"! The day of a thousand hills! The youngest amongst us, in a moment of weakness, even mentioned that it could be merely a 2 hour drive back to Cape Town instead of a 2 day ride. We need to re-name Paul too- Paul "I got my legs back" Roux - very impressive performance! The thick mist presented some challenges although also a lovely cool day- perfect for cycling. The Team covered 117 hard earned km over this difficult and undulating section of the route. Thank you so much to Monica and Jinja at the Sleeping Beauty Guest Lodge who looked after us so well last night in Riversdale and sent us off with an amazing breakfast this morning. And thanks to Klara and Gehardt Sohlms for kindly accomodating us in their idyllic Restore Mountain Cottage near Riviersonderend. They have also generously extended their gift of hospitality in warmly welcoming us into their home where we are currently enjoying watching the Stormers perform! All in all a great day to remember. PS - Thanks to all of you who have posted comments on this blog- it is a great encouragement to us all!

Thursday 29th- Riversdale

2010-04-29T20:22:00.000+02:00

The team bravely set off in the cold wind and rain this morning. Thank you to Malcolm Westmore for the best coffee ever - it has been much appreciated, especially on a chilly day like today. Paul's performance was phenomenal today as he kept up an incredible rhythm- at one stage maintaining a consistant 38km/hr for a distance of 20km! He also succumbed to a burst of energy as he and Dave set a new tour speed record of 77km/hr (without even trying - or so they claim!) The cold wind turned out to be a great blessing as it was a tail wind assisting our riders along the 135km that they cycled today.
A great big THANK YOU for the donations, sponsorships, and pledges that have been received so far that continue to make all this so worthwhile! If you are interested, donations towards this cause can be made to:The Kidzpositive Family Fund, Nedbank, Salt River, Branch code:102-109, Universal Code: 198-765, Account number: 1021 275 743 Reference: “Peddie”.

Wed 28th- George

2010-04-28T19:02:00.001+02:00

Another 96km down and we are half way (yellow ribbon on map depicts distance completed so far). It has been a day of challenging passes such as Keimanns and others! Paul:"So this is what it means to 'be on one's last legs!'".
Dave broke his speed record by managing 69km/hr.
Paul's spoke broke and so both Paul and Glenda's bikes needed repairs along the way.
Many many thanks to our hosts over the last few nights who have ensured that we are well rested and fed and who have treated us so extremely well. Dave and Colleen of Fountain Vineyard church, Helen Veitch (Jeffry's Bay), Sandy and Trevor Davis (Knysna), and Sandy and Richard Moir (George). A huge thank you to Rose for the delicious crunchies and chocolate brownies which continue to provide much needed energy at each comfort break!

Tuesday to Knysna

2010-04-27T21:43:00.001+02:00

The beautiful map embroidered by Nozeti of the Keiskamma Trust depicts the route we are following from Hamburg in the Eastern Cape to Cape Town. An early start gave us an advantage today and despite a slight headwind, the team managed to accomplish an amazing 160km to arrive in Knysna by 4pm! These kinds of distances highlight certain emerging characteristics of our riders:
Glenda-"Over the hill"-Doller: "on this ride, over the hill is where you definately wanna be!"
Paul- "Bat outa hell(meatloaf)" Roux: setting a demanding pace as he sped up near Plett after the first 135km of the day.
Steve-"Red Bull"- Bonaconsa: who literally flew along aided by (angels'?) wings!!
David- "Cannon ball"- Lovric: bulleting down the hill into Knysna at 62km/hr.
The "Zog the Frog" trophy was awarded to Glenda today for managing to cycle 75km with a broken spoke and a buckled wheel dragging on the brake!
Well done to the team for their incredible effort and remarkable achievement today!

As we head off...

2010-04-26T21:29:00.000+02:00

The team enjoyed a very energetic community send-off on Sunday morning from Hamburg: vuvuzelas blowing, flags flying and arms waving. Dr Carol Baker of the Keiskamma Trust and other members of the Hamburg community joined us on their bikes as we set off on the first leg of the cycle tour from Hamburg. The team covered 85km on this first day despite a total of 5 punctures! Many thanks to Dave and Colleen of the Fountain Vineyard Church who kindly hosted us in their home and their church on Sunday evening. Well rested on Monday, we set of from Port Elizabeth with very favourable weather conditions. Despite many challenging hills, the team were able to cycle 110km which was 30km more than the planned distance for the day. We then headed back for a refreshing swim in Jeffrey's Bay.

Hamburg and Keiskamma

2010-04-24T21:16:00.000+02:00

We awoke to a spectacular day in Hamburg- sparkling river, long white beaches, rolling waves, fish eagle overhead!

It was a real privilege to visit the projects established in the area- the Gogo chicken hut and vegetable garden, the creche and after care centre, and the Keiskamma Art project. It is evident that their phenomenal success is partly attributed to the fact that the assistance is in support of the kinds of things that the locals really need. Help has come recognising their real needs and is not imposed "from the top".
In particular, The Keiskamma Art project is remarkable with beautiful, original and creative design and embroidery.

The indomitable David Lovric is the proud recipient of our "Zog the Frog" trophy today. This was awarded him by Paul Roux for getting the first puncture of the trip on today's test ride before the actual cycling of the tour began! He managed this despite having frog-green sludge in his self- sealing tubes. He also needed to borrow pedals from the locals due to shoe clip incompatibility with his borrowed bike- Go Dave!

Hamburg and Keiskamma

2010-04-23T22:19:00.000+02:00

We drove the entire 1000km without incident- only to end up in a donga in the dark on the way to the Heritage Centre in Hamburg!
Our spirits lifted as we were welcomed warmly, and enthusiastically entertained by the community and the Keiskamma music academy with dancing and singing.
Nozeti , on behalf of the Keiskamma Trust, presented us with a beautiful embroidered tapestry- Watch this space for a photo of this spectacular work of art.
We were also gifted with handcrafted T-shirts from the Keiskamma Art project.
A big thank you to all those involved in making this an evening to remember!

Our Cycle tour trophy-for-the-day, "Zog the Frog", was awarded to Paul Roux for driving us all safely to Hamburg.

Introducing the Team and the Route

2010-04-22T12:08:00.000+02:00

We are about to set off on our journey!
See The Team in photo on Right - Ready- Set -Go!

The Route
Friday 23rd April- Team drives up to Hamburg
Saturday 24th April- Visit Keiskamma, HIV/AIDS awareness and outreach
Sunday 25th April-Cycle to Port Elizabeth
Monday 26th April-Cycle to Jeffries Bay
Tuesday 27th April- Cycle to Knysna
Wednesday 28th April- Cycle to Gearge
Thursday 29th April- Cycle to Riversdale
Friday 30th April-Cycle to Riviersonderend
Saturday 01 May- Cycle to Betty's Bay
Sunday 02 May- Cycle to Cape Town- Groote Schuur Hospital

Cycle Tour Count Down...

2010-04-19T12:26:00.000+02:00

On the 23rd April the cyclists will be driving from Cape Town to Hamberg to start the cycle tour. Watch this space for more information, daily photos and blog javascript:void(0)updates.

Heather and the Bonfire Theatre Company

2010-03-02T11:07:00.000+02:00

The fourth Thursday of every month is Adolescent Clinic Day. An afternoon is set aside for the adolescent group to come and see their doctors, receive medical care, have group counselling sessions, eat lunch together and be part of extramural activities.

Our February session saw two groups of visitors to the adolescent group as well as the first-usage of the adolescent chill room! The morning was spent with Connect 123, a volunteer based organisation spending fun time with the group. From making cards, playing games, and a lucky draw.

This was followed by lunch and a chill out session with Soul City magazines and quiet time.

Heather Schiff, a trained psychologist and co-founder of the Bonfire Theatre Company spent an hour with the group doing a range of activities using drama as the expressive medium! What a success. Heather's knowledge of adolescents, their needs, insecurities and developmental milestones paired with drama and movement had a phenomenal impact of the energy of the group with a lot of joy, laughter and enthusiasm.

All in all a very successful day with the view of more to come.

Coaching for HOPE

2010-02-15T13:46:00.002+02:00

Coaching for Hope [www.coachingforhope.org/ ]‘is an innovative program which uses football (soccer) to create better futures for young people in Western and Southern Africa.’ Coaching for Hope is part of the international volunteering and development charity called SkillShare International.
A recent meeting with the Southern Africa Program Manager for Coaching for Hope has resulted in an exciting prospective for the Adolescent Group at Kidzpositive. Through the discussion it has become apparent that using soccer as a form of expression, group cohesion and team playing will encourage those interested individuals in the group to enjoy the multiply benefits of being part of this project. Our adolescent clinic in March will provide a space to introduce a Coaching for Hope coach from the Crossroads Multi-purpose Centre who will provide the adolescents with information about how to get involved, when to come to practices and how to join the mini-league. Through providing this service and introduction within a safe space at our clinic we hope that it will encourage our adolescent group to go along to the Crossroads Multi-purpose Centre and join in the fun. Adding to this, Coaching for Hope with SCORE [http://www.score.org.za/] provides opportunities for older adolescents who show soccer playing potential as well as leadership skills to be identified as suitable peer group leaders who will be offered the Coaching for Hope level 1 training later in the year. We hope that those dedicated and interested adolescents within our clinic will show their shining potential and grow within this fantastic initiative.

Collaborating for a better service for all

2010-02-15T09:34:00.000+02:00

A recent meeting with Heather Schiff, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Bonfire Theatre Company [www.bonfiretheatre.co.za], has resulted in an exciting upcoming offer for our adolescent group at the GSH clinic.

Heather has offered to teach drama workshops to our adolescent group over the next few months, culminating in a show at the end of it. We are planning for two major workshops to be done with the group over the April school holidays - an ideal time for them to be busy and enjoying each others company without the pressures and routine of school everyday.

This is a very exciting initiative and we look forward to keeping everyone updated on progress and experiences of the youth.

20 years of Freedom

2010-02-11T12:45:00.001+02:00

Today marks 20 years since the release of our former president Nelson Mandela from prison. In 20 years South Africa's political situation has made major changes. From his long walk to freedom, his rise to presidency, his contributions to social justice and freedom, and his continuing work with children through the Nelson Mandela's Children Fund Madiba has been and continues to unite a nation.
Like our Madiba, Kidzpositive is passionate about children and we work towards fulfilling the rights of our children to healthcare, to medical treatment and psycho-social support.
We would like to congratule Mr Mandela on his phenomenal personal, national and international accomplishments. He is the glue that has bound a country, set an example of what it is to show humility and continues to fire up a network of committed citizens in working for the greater good of a nation.

Viva Madiba Viva!

Upcoming Adolescent Activities planned at Kidzpositive

2010-02-09T15:21:00.002+02:00

On the upcoming agenda for our adolescent group is ready to be viewed.... Providing healthcare services for HIV positive children and teens is not enough. Providing additional services is key. These include extra-mural activities. There are a number of new initiatives which will be launched in the upcoming months.

We have networked with ‘Dance For All’ outreach program who run dancing classes for disadvantaged youth in the Cape Town townships on a weekly basis. We are promoting these free classes which are run in Nyanga, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha at local schools on weekday afternoons.

‘Coaching for Hope’ and SCORE will be providing our youth (ages 10 – 18) with soccer training. The first session will be held in mid-March within the Southern Suburbs with one of the SCORE coaches with the aim of getting our adolescent group interested in free soccer mini-league coaching in Crossroads at the multi-purpose centre.

Ikapa Dance company will be offering dancing classes to our adolescent group during the year. We are aiming for one afternoon a month to start off with. Trying to logistically make a time for as many of our adolescents to come to a dance class is difficult, however we plan to include as many teens as we can. Holiday dance classes maybe the way of the future.

We have a UCT Masters student who is volunteering her time once a month with our adolescent group to teach art and crafts. Using the REPSSI educational centre a number of creative and educational classes will be held exploring individual and group identity and self expression.

A Resource Centre is currently taking shape in which resources including study opportunities, grant information, know your rights, compiling a CV, Further Education and Training options will be available to our adolescents and adult patients. The resource centre has already received its first batch of books and magazines from Soul City for educational reading and learning.

The Umuzi Photo Club has offered to mentor Kidzpositive staff in running a photographic project with a small group of adolescents. This is a project which will be investigated and followed in the future.

How to become a Follower of our Blog

2010-02-02T18:21:00.000+02:00

2010 is undoubtedly a very exciting year for Kidzpositive Family Fund, with lots on the agenda. With the World Cup coming our way very soon, our beadwork Mum's are busy collaboratively beading vuvuzela's. The adolescent group is growing, with more activities being added to our service. The G26 ward where one clinic is run is changing shape, monthly research meetings have been implemented and other activities continue to expand.
We have an exciting CYCLE TOUR coming up - with a team of 14 cyclists peddling from Hamberg in the Eastern Cape to Groote Schuur Hospital between the 24th and 1 May 2010.
Keeping you updated on our progress is enhanced through our Blogspot, and thus we encourage you all to become 'followers' of our cause. Click the Follower button on the right hand side of your screen above recent blogs written. Post us comments or questions, be as interactive as you like...
We look forward to sharing our journey with you.

February

2010-02-02T11:24:00.000+02:00

With a blink of an eye, January 2010 has passed by! A month of holidays for many, most staff at Kidzpositive Family Fund continued to work through the festive season, ensuring that project work continued and doctors were available to administer ARVs to children coming through the doors during December 2009 and early January 2010. February will prove to continue the cycle of busy schedules and growing projects, with an exciting adventure involving a collaborative team of cyclists riding from the Eastern Cape to Western Cape at the end of April... [more to come on this soon].
Being a short month, we hope to continue our work and improve our processes.
The adolescent clinic at the end of the month will it is hoped be full of exciting activities to engage our adolescents, offering extra curriculum activities aimed at self-expression and development.

'Let's Dance'

2010-01-26T10:35:00.000+02:00

Through a collaboration with iKAPA dance theatre (http://www.ikapadancetheatre.co.za/ikapa/home.html) our adolescents will be given the opportunity to participate in a six weeks of dance classes in the upcoming months.

iKAPA Dance Theatre is a dance company that draws on artistic innovation and experience for social interaction through dance. iKAPA uses a creative fusion of Contemporary and Neo-Classical dance, traditional South African and International influences.

This is a very exciting opportunity for the adolescent group to come together and share creative energy on a Friday afternoon after school - an excellent opportunity in getting kids excited about an activity which is artistic as well as great exercise in getting endorphins rushing and limbs stretched.

We look forward to posting pictures and asking our adolescents to contribute to the blog - giving us and our readers a better perspective of their dancing experience.

Volunteers

2010-01-25T15:46:00.000+02:00

At Kidzpositive Family Fund we have a strong team of hardworking and dedicated individuals. From doctors to nurses, counsellors, an OT and physiotherapist, data team and admin team.
Adding to this team on a volunteer basis is always appreciated. Currently we are looking for the following roles to be filled over roughly 3 hours per week for a six week basis (with the option of continuing the workshops if we receive positive feedback). Our adolescent group continues to grow and we would like to offer them three activities over the coming year:

1. Dance classes (which are currently in planning phase)

2. Art/ Craft classes

3. Photography classes

Anyone with the skills and a bit of spare time please contact us. This is an ideal opportunity to give back to the community, impart knowledge and self-expression to teenagers nearing adulthood. We would love the support.

New Blog Spot

2010-01-25T14:03:00.000+02:00

Welcome to our new Blog spot!

As technology continues to expand and advance, so does Kidzpositive. From joining up to Greater Good SA, to creating a Facebook site, linking to Aids Buzz, working on updating our website and printing our newsletter... we continue to try and keep abreast of the multitude of choices we have in voicing our cause.

A month into 2010 and our plans for innovation and growth continue to be central themes. Our adolescent project planning is underway, with the hope of starting up a photographic project for teens documenting their everyday lives. From school, family, home, experiences, friends... the list is infinite. Adding to this a proposed after school Art Program as well as a Resource Centre being co-ordinated with resources and information on activities, study opportunities, grants etc.

A cycle tour is in planning with a team cycling from Hamberg in the Eastern Cape to Cape Town in late April raising funds for hilltop villages in the region.

The Beadwork Project is busy with beading for the upcoming World Cup, having collaborated an order for vuvuzelas (the South Africa soccer horn) with another NGO, Iziko, based in Hout Bay.

We are extremely excited about the work that we are doing and envision this blog to have many contributors... from Kidzpositive Team members, to our adolescents, to supporters and followers of our NGO writing, commenting and engaging with this space. What an exciting opportunity to communicate on real time!

Looking forward to the future of this space.

Lil