The Meals on Wheels Extreme Ride for Hunger Tour continued its mission on Sunday, 2 March 2025, as cyclists braved the crisp Kimberley morning air to embark on another demanding journey to Cape Town.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The Meals on Wheels Extreme Ride for Hunger Tour continued its mission on Sunday, 2 March 2025, as cyclists braved the crisp Kimberley morning air to embark on another demanding journey to Cape Town.
At 5am, just before sunrise, cyclists had to wear their long-sleeved tops to cover their arms as the chill factor was palpable.
This leg of the tour took them south towards Hopetown, Strydenburg, and Britstown, covering a total of 170 kilometres in their ongoing effort to fight hunger and uplift communities.
The cyclists were pedaling with determination and one goal in mind, delivering hope to those in need.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The dedicated cyclists faced tough conditions throughout the day; from a chilly morning to enduring the relentless heat of the Northern Cape sun, but they pushed forward. Their determination and resilience were on full display as they powered through the physically and mentally demanding route with one goal in mind – bringing hope and relief to those in need.
Their first stop was a local preschool in Hopetown called KriVidu, where the team dropped off much-needed food parcels, educational supplies, and toys.
The cyclists then enjoyed a brief respite at Krividu, where the management warmly received them. As a token of appreciation, they were treated to delicious homemade pies and traditional milk tarts, providing them with the energy needed for the long road ahead.
The Meals on Wheels team delivered boxes of maize, educational tools and toys for the children to play with.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The journey then continued towards Britstown where the team visited Gentle Care, a home for mentally and physically impaired individuals. Miss Gentle, the home's owner, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the annual support provided by Meals on Wheels.
“Your contributions and the effort you made today make a massive difference in the lives of each person we care for,” she said.
In a special moment of generosity, Meals on Wheels, in partnership with Checkers, surprised the home with a R10,000 shopping voucher to be used for essential supplies.
The cyclists also took time to interact with the residents, bringing smiles and warmth to the facility.
One particularly touching moment came when the team arranged for 18-year-old Seth, a resident with a childlike innocence, to take a ride in one of their support vehicles. Known for his love of car rides, Seth sat in the front seat, smiling as he felt the wind rush past him.
Members from Meals on Wheels and Checkers are seen speaking to Ms. Gentle during their visit.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Despite the punishing conditions, the cyclists remained unwavering in their commitment, demonstrating remarkable endurance and selflessness as they cycled on, kilometre after kilometre. Their journey is not just about the distance covered, but about the lives they touch along the way.
As the day drew to a close, the team made their way to De Aar, where they will be resting overnight in preparation for another challenging day on the road on Monday.
On Monday, the team will embark on a challenging 167-kilometre cycling journey to Three Sisters. Along the route, they will make a meaningful stop at Huis Frieda Kempen in Victoria West for their first outreach initiative of the day.
With each kilometre travelled, the Meals on Wheels Extreme Ride for Hunger Tour continues to change lives, proving that kindness and compassion know no bounds.
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