The Rotary Club of Hermanus, together with the learners of the Hermanus High School, is counting down the days to the 2016 FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events.
The FNB W2W MTB water points are an oasis to tired mountain bikers.
Forming part of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Hermanus was founded in 1948 and is committed to service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership in the community.
According to Johan Augustyn, Hermanus Rotary Club Treasurer, most Rotary activities fall within six general areas: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, aiding mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.
“We started working with Wines2Whales in the event’s second year,” says Augustyn. “We offer marshall support and manage the water point s during Stage Three of the Adventure, Ride and Race. Over the years we’ve seen the event grow from strength to strength. It is one of the premier MTB races in South Africa and we are proud to be associated with it. The W2W is also one of our major fundraising events. We have many new projects that need support and can’t do this without funds that we raise through our involvement with W2W.”
Over the years the Rotary Club of Hermanus has been instrumental in a number of projects including: contributing half of the costs required to build the Provincial Hospital in Hermanus, establishing the National Sea Rescue Institute in Hermanus, assisting in establishing the Hemel-en-Aarde Pre-school and supporting the Night Shelter to name just a few.
Charities supported by the Rotary Club of Hermanus include (but are not limited to): Hermanus High School (food parcels), Siyasama Service Centre, Overstrand Hospice and the Hermanus Senior Centrum.
“The Rotary Club of Hermanus gives a substantial monthly donation towards our soup kitchen and food parcels for needy families,” says Anneke Harms, Teacher and Grade 12 Head at the Hermanus High School. “Approximately twenty of our learners are granted the opportunity to work with the Rotary Club at the annual FNB W2W MTB Events. The learners assist with the water points and on route marshalling. They enjoy being outdoors, watching the bikers and being part of the events. They learn how to be of service, while improving both their people skills and problem solving techniques. They enjoy every minute of their involvement.”
