Cycling for orphans
Two PwC people from the Zimbabwe firm have just finished one of the toughest amateur cycling races in the world. The aim? To raise funds for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV and Aids.
PwC’s Kevin Wood and Lloyd Govindan took part in the Schwalbe-TOUR-Transalp road race in June. They cycled 850 kilometers from Mittenwald in Germany to the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy – climbing 20,000 meters over the toughest mountain passes of the Dolomites in the Alps.
Our two PwC cyclists took on the sporting challenge for a good cause: to help give hope of a better future to children impacted by HIV and Aids.
They initiated the Cycle Trust Fund project, which is aimed at providing orphans and vulnerable children impacted by HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe with educational support, vocational skills training, food supplies and clothing.
PwC partner Kevin Wood saw this as an opportunity to boost Corporate Responsibility within the firm and got PwC involved. The Zimbabwean firm sponsored the running of the campaign for the riders, launched the Cycle Trust Fund and donated 1,000 US$ to the cause. In addition, PwC Zimbabwe raised just over 6,000 US$ through individual pledges and pledges from organisations within their network.
Says Kevin Wood: “The concentration and skills needed to descend from a mountain top –sometimes in excess of 90km per hour around hairpin bends – are enormous so at the end of each day you are left physically and mentally drained. But the fantastic scenery and the experience of riding with other participants from over 20 countries from around the world are wonderful. Knowing that our chosen charity, Mashambanzou Care Trust, was also benefiting from the event added to the reward we all felt from participating.”
After setting off on their race on June 24th, our two colleagues from PwC Zimbabwe’s Harare office arrived safely on June 30th to cheers from their family and friends. A truly amazing achievement!
To find out more, contact Terrence Chimanya, tel: +263 (4) 33 8362 8.
