Cradock charities strike gold at Hansa Fish canoe marathon

Cradock - The 30th anniversary celebrations of the Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon in Cradock last weekend produced an unexpected cherry-on-the-top when the fundraiser for the local Cradock Cancer Care Unit snowballed dramatically to R350 000.

An overwhelmed chair of the Cradock Cancer Association Meryl Collett extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to the paddlers that visited the town, and in particular to SA Breweries District Manager Allan Long, who in addition to completing his first Hansa Fish canoe marathon, championed the fundraiser that coincided with national cancer awareness month.

Through Long's efforts he managed to raise R160 000 through SAB Regions, Districts, Brand Teams, Employees, Suppliers, and friends. After the race he agreed to auction the K2 that he and race committee chair Louis Copeman had completed the race in, raising close on another R8 000.

When word reached Long's Managing Director Norman Adami of the success of his fundraiser, Adami immediately doubled the figure raised to R320 000 from SA Breweries head office, and then added a further R10 000 from his own pocket. After a few additional donations the final contribution to be made to the Cradock Cancer Association is R350 000.

"I am not a paddler," said Long after completing the Hansa Fish marathon. "But I made the decision to train and do the race with Louis (Copeman) to raise funds for Cradock Cancer Care and to add the human touch of SAB and the Hansa brand to this fantastic event by supporting a very worthwhile cause."

"Cancer affects every single South African in one way or another," said Long. "As paddlers who enjoy the hospitality of the people of Cradock every year at this time, we are also acutely aware that the plight of cancer sufferers in Cradock is onerous. Many of them have very basic needs while others need transport to major centres for their treatment. It is a privilege to be able to leave a lasting legacy in Cradock that is associated with this great event."

In addition to this massively successful fundraiser, the race committee also set out to support ten local charities through the implementation of a charity batch.

"As a committee we made the decision early on that this year the Hansa Fish will be giving something back to the greater Cradock community that has, over the past thirty years, been so generous with its support and unrivalled Karoo hospitality," said race chairman Louis Copeman. "I am amazed at the proceeds that have been collected this year and have no doubt that they will be put to excellent use!"

The race committee will donate the R25 000 raised from the sale of places in the charity batch proportionately, according to the size and needs of the charities.

The ten selected charities are as follows: Vukasebenza Shelter; Cradock Cancer Care Unit; Cradock Hospice; Elizabeth Jordaan Old Age Home; SAPS Widows and Orphans Fund; ACVV children's feeding scheme; Nomzamo Special Day Care Centre; Cradock LSN Centre; Sonskyn Dienssentrum and SPCA.