GEORGE NEWS - Two intrepid adventurers from George are seeking local businesses to come on board and support their drive to raise more than R1-million for Life Community Services.
Des Kiely (55) and Glen Lindsay (56) plan to compete in the 2018 Talisker Atlantic Whisky Challenge, the world's toughest trans-Atlantic rowing race.
Starting in December, the pair will have to navigate more than 5 000 kilometres across the second largest ocean, starting at San Sebastian in the Canary Islands and ending at Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua.
They are now seeking sponsors for some of the equipment and supplies required.
Items on the list include a first aid kit, sunscreen, a satellite phone and a GoPro camera to document the action.
In return, sponsors will receive national and international media exposure, and have their logo featured on the boat itself.
Kiely says, "As all of the proceeds from this challenge will be directly benefiting the George community, we wanted to create ways in which local businesses can get involved.
"Many of the items donated will also be sold at the end of the race, with the proceeds being added to the final total.
"This is a truly global event as teams from across the world compete each year, and it receives extensive media coverage.
We want to put George on the map and showcase what can be achieved when a community comes together to work towards a common goal."
Life Community Services, which first launched in 1999, currently serves more than 4 000 young people (under 18 years) each week at its community centres in George.
These centres are strategically located at the heart of the neediest communities and provide educational, spiritual and sustainable development programmes.
The fundraising target currently stands at R1,26-million, enough to cover the cost of educating 300 orphaned and vulnerable children for one full year.
The full list of equipment and supplies needed is as follows:
- First-aid box
- 50 bottles of baby bum cream
- Set of binoculars
- Camera
- 4 sets of branded all-weather gear
- Signal flares
- Stainless steel fire extinguisher
- Water containers
- 4 sets of paddling gloves
- 4 peak caps and 4 floppy hats
- 24 bottles of sunscreen
- 24 tubes of lip-ice
- 12 bottles of after sun
- 24 tubes of aloe vera gel
- A satellite phone
- A GoPro camera
- 2 Garmin watches
- A laptop
- Maps of the Atlantic Ocean
- A toolbox
- A cellphone
Any businesses interested in sponsoring items on the list can contact Des Kiely on 060 458 2718.
To make a financial donation to the fundraising drive, use the following banking details: Row4LIFE, Nedbank, account number 114 282 5434, branch code 109 114.
For more information on the challenge, visit www.row4life.org.za.
Life Community Services is a registered NPO (014-525NPO) and PBO with 18A status (390028663).
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