A group of 12 cyclists raised a whopping R170 000 for the St Theresa’s Home and Youth Centre in Sydenham as the centre is in dire need of financial assistance after the Covid-19 pandemic and the April floods exacerbated their strained finances.
The Jozi 2 Sea Cycle Tour members rode a mammoth 650 kilometres of challenging terrain from Johannesburg to Durban to raise the much needed funds for the centre which has been in existence since 1925. The money was raised via the back-a-buddy website, where an appeal was made for donations. The funds raised will be used for the centre’s planned programs which are developmental, therapeutic, spiritual, and for the upkeep of the home. The ride started on 2 October and ended on 9 October and a distance of 625 kilometres was covered in seven days. One of the cyclists behind the cycle tour, Barry Porter said the cyclists rode an average of 100 kilometres per day. “I was a learner at St Theresa’s School in the 1950’s and was friends with many of the boys at the home. My wife’s father was a home boy for a few years as well. I spoke to my son-in-law and daughter who were keen to join me. “I discussed with my friend, Les Swartz who suggested that we ride from Johannesburg to Durban and end at St. Theresa’s Home. I then spoke to Debbie Bowes who is the principal and from that moment on, a commitment was made and there was no turning back. Cyclists from different clubs wanted to be a part of the ride and so Jozi 2 Sea Cycle Tour was born,” he said.
St Theresa’s Home and Youth Centre director, Debbie Bowes said the centre’s board and management are genuinely overwhelmed by the wonderful gesture. “This initiative has been our lifeline. Having experienced all the tragedies that have happened in KZN, from Covid-19 pandemic, the looting and the flooding, we were not able to raise any funds. This lifeline will help us to continue with the work that we do in caring for the orphaned and vulnerable children. “The ultimate aim of the holistic developmental approach at our home is to ensure that each boy becomes a socially acceptable member of society despite their trauma. We currently have 68 boys and our home provides holistic care for these young people. As an NPO, it is always a struggle and we appreciate the kindness of every person who undertook the Jozi 2 Sea journey and every single donor who gave money. Thank you to everyone who came out in their numbers to welcome the cyclists as they arrived at the St Theresa’s Home grounds on Sunday. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation, gratitude and love,” said Bowes. “The reception we got when we entered St Theresa’s grounds was electrifying. I know I was very emotional and I’m sure the other riders were as well. A very big thank you to our supporters. Words cannot describe the feelings. Thank you for your donations, we know that we live in difficult times, but that did not deter you from giving,” said Porter.
