GQEBERHA – The beneficiaries of the 2023 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer got a shot in the arm on Tuesday when they received their share of the charity event which took place about three months ago.
An amount of R770 000 was handed over to Reach for a Dream, and Wings and Wishes at a ceremony at the premises of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer’s presenting partner, ISUZU Motors South Africa.
The big walk participation exceeded expectations, and instead of fulfilling 25 dreams as initially planned, Algoa FM is able to fulfill 38 dreams. Meanwhile, the donation to Wings and Wishes was initially aimed at providing transport and mercy bags for 120 children, however, 180 children will be able to receive transport support this year.
Both organisations play a crucial role in offering support to children grappling with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, leukaemia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, renal failure, and various blood disorders.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Lwanele Mpeta, Reach for a Dream Eastern Cape Regional Manager, disclosed that an average dream costs around R10,000.
She emphasised that the dream experience is grounded in four pillars: courage, hope, confidence, and family time. Mpeta said that the funds would be utilised to acquire laptops and tablets for dreamers.
“This donation will empower young patients to stay connected with their families during hospital stays, conduct research, complete school assignments, and continue learning and developing, while providing them with access to the world and a future perspective crucial for maintaining hope during treatment, she said.
Meanwhile, locally founded Wings and Wishes is dedicated to transporting critically and chronically ill children to and from specialised medical care. Their share of the donation will be allocated towards covering bus fare and mercy bags – a backpack with essential toiletries and pyjamas for their hospital stay.
Inge Human, Manager at Wings and Wishes, highlighted the logistical challenges faced in the Eastern Cape due to its vast rural landscape, making access to expert medical care a complex task.
“The donation will help us to fund transportation, ensuring that children with life-threatening illnesses never miss vital medical appointments and consistently arrive on time for their treatments. This, in turn, contributes to a reduction in preventable and premature child mortality rates,” she said.
Alfie Jay, Managing Director of Algoa FM, recognised the vital support these organisations render to sick children, emphasising that it fuels the radio station's commitment to continuing this charitable event.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, Jay acknowledged the collective effort of Algoa FM, its event sponsors and partners, and the big walk participants in enabling charities working with cancer patients to effectively carry out their mission.
Jay extended his thanks to all the sponsors of the event, recognising the indispensable support of presenting partner ISUZU Motors South Africa, as well as MTN, aQuellé, The Courier Guy, the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and Value Added Life in making the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer a success.
ISUZU Department Executive Corporate and Public Affairs, Lebogang Makoloi said, “We are privileged to have been the presenting partner during the 25th edition of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer in Gqeberha, East London and George, a mass charity event that continues to allow us to walk in step with society and show solidarity with all those affected by cancer.
"We are particularly inspired by the wonderful work done by the two beneficiaries, Reach for a Dream to fulfill dreams of children fighting life-threatening illnesses and Wings and Wishes who help transport critically ill children to receive life-saving specialist medical care”.
Caption: Harold and Jeanine Lamprecht parents of cancer survivor; Celestin Ndhlovu, ISUZU Vice President of Strategy, Business Planning and Marketing Motors South Africa; Haley Lamprecht (cancer survivor and Wings and Wishes recipient); Lebogang Makoloi, ISUZU Department Executive Corporate and Public Affairs; Alfie Jay, Algoa FM Managing Director; Sivesethu Ndubela (former Reach for a dream recipient); Lwanele Mpeta, Reach for a Dream Eastern Cape Regional Manager and Inge Human, Manager at Wings and Wishes.
