GEORGE NEWS - Two doctors have cycled 500km to raise funds for their recently established non-profit organisation, Sahara, that provides free counselling to drug and alcohol dependent people in the George community.
Georgian Dr Hermann Reuter and his friend Dr Bennie Steyn, a psychiatrist from Stellenbosch, covered 500km on their bicycles in two stints, the latest from Stilbaai to Betty's Bay (450km) last week, 7 to 14 July. They previously cycled 65km from Stellenbosch to Betty's Bay. "We chose to cycle because we are also trying to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps one if you are trying to break free from substance dependence. Alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse is causing serious harm in George, damaging families and child development. We want to help fight this."
Through Sahara (Smoking Alcohol Harms Alleviation and Rehabilitation Association) they wish to raise funds that will enable them to provide medication as part of the free counselling service that Reuter already renders in the local community.
"Our extensive, on-the-ground experience with communities affected by substance use disorders has convinced us that medication is essential in conjunction with talking therapy for an effective treatment," says Reuter, who has also been involved in the training of counsellors in Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp.
His patients include people who smoke and want to kick the habit. "Our treatment is evidence based and follows a bio-psycho-social approach. We aim to re-integrate people into society with a meaningful life and we advocate better access to public services for people with substance use disorder."
The medication they need to treat patients, costs from R800 per person. They have raised R8 000 so far, but will need millions. "This is just the beginning and we are hoping to do some more fundraising," says Reuter.
For more information or if you want to donate, contact Reuter on 071 233 1606 or Steyn on 072 750 3296, or send an e-mail to dsteynfilm@gmail.com.
Visit the Sahara website at www.saharasouthafrica.com.
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