Personal message

Dear friends,

Yes, once again I've signed up to ride over 300km across African wilderness in an off-road mountain bike marathon over four days in remote South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.  This is the third, and in all likelihood last time that I'm begging you all to dig deeply for this fantastically worthwhile cause which really is making a difference to underprivileged children’s lives in Southern Africa.  If I can cope with 42 degree heat and nine-hour days in the saddle I do hope you can see fit to dig deep and sponsor my efforts with a donation to ‘Children in the Wilderness’.

 

Children in the Wilderness is dedicated to helping children whose childhoods have been interrupted and disrupted by life threatening conditions such as illness, poverty and the HIV/Aids epidemic. Using environmental education, therapeutic recreation and good old-fashioned fun, Children in the Wilderness exposes children to new opportunities, increases their self-esteem, builds and strengthens their capabilities to cope with life's challenges and educates them with the life skills necessary to actualize their greatest potential.

The Children in the Wilderness programme hosts children, aged between 8 and 17 years, in groups of up to 30 at a time, for periods of up to a week, at no cost to the school or children. The well structured curriculum is offered in a safe wilderness environment where nature becomes the teacher and the healer, aided by experienced and well-trained counsellors.

The outcome of the programme is a win-win for all. The children are inspired to strive to achieve their utmost potential; their enthusiasm and new ideas are shared with their families and communities - and more local people are involved in the conservation of critically threatened environments.

 

Earlier this year I had the privilege of meeting one of the first participants in a Children in the Wilderness programme, who eight years ago was living in an orphanage in Namibia when he had the good fortune to be selected to attend a CITW camp.  Eight years on, and he's now a safari guide with purpose in his life and a passion for his environment and career.  The CITW programme set him on this path, and has done so for so many other kids whose childhoods have been disrupted by illness, poverty and HIV/AIDS. 

 

As you can see it is possible to contribute online this year on this page.  (Note that this is a South African-based website and contributions made here may be subject to a charge by your bank/credit card).  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate.  Any donation really will be gratefully received for this fantastic cause.

 

Any donation really will be gratefully received for this fantastic cause.

Many thanks for your support.

 

 

Neil

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