I never gave feedback after 94.7 last year; one of the reasons was that I was trying to find out what my final tally was, I haven't found out which isn't a train smash but I do know it was well over the R20,000 I had as a target.
From the small donors to the ones who gave very large amounts, funds came in through Give 'n Gain, direct payments to CHOC, donations given to me anonymously, donations given through race entries, not to mention all the people at 94.7 expo who tried to quiet a couple of annoying cows shaking tins, I thank you all, you made a difference that continues on in the projects the Cows fund through CHOC.
All in all the Cows raised R3.16 million in 2015's effort bringing the total raised over the years to R24.2 million to help CHOC with their services to children with cancer and helping their families.
During 2015 I/we have been blessed to be thanked on a number of occasions for the work we do as cows for CHOC, I wish I could explain the thankfulness one hears in the voices and sees in the eyes of those who have been helped by CHOC, I'd love to pass it on because it is the donors who make it all possible, I'm just a conduit.
On to 2016...... The year has started and even before my first (this) post the fundraising has started with a bang with R2000 donation to CHOC to kick off my campaign. The Cows have found a different funding provider called ummm errr Different yep different.org my new fundraising profile is set up so you are welcome to start helping me raise the funds for this year CLICK HERE to reach my profile, different.org has a few different payment options and they do not take a cut of the funds received, tax certificates can be obtained right from the site, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
So far this year I have already ridden 2 races in Cow Gear, the Berge en Dale and the Cape Town Cycle Tour (Argus for most of us). This year the finish was bittersweet, one of the ladies I finished last years race with, Delene Mulley was no longer with us in body, having beaten cancer once and for all. I had only known her for a little over a year but for those that knew her she has left a big gaping hole, challenging us to continue the fight against the disease.
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| Preview of finish photo (me in the middle at the back) |
That's all from me for now, just some info on the projects the Cows will be supporting this year:
Accommodation – The CHOC Lodge, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban
The CHOC Lodge, situated on the grounds of the Albert Luthuli Hospital, has 26 beds that provide daily accommodation for children and their caregiver whilst undergoing treatment for childhood cancer. The Cows shall assist with the costs of running the Lodge by sponsoring two rooms.
Accommodation – CHOC House, Saxonwold and Diepkloof
CHOC House Saxonwold provides accommodation for children receiving out-patient treatment at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and CHOC house Diepkloof is used for patients from the Baragwanath paediatric oncology wards. Without these homes away from home many patients opt to abandon treatment because of the great distances they need to travel. The houses are an essential part of the CHOC programme and The Cows shall fund running costs for both these houses in Gauteng.
Psychosocial Support – Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Free State
Psychosocial support is imperative to the families and children affected by childhood cancer. CHOC currently employs five Social workers and two Social Auxillary workers, situated in the Paediatric Oncology treatment centers, who assist with all aspects of the illness from diagnoses onwards including palliative and bereavement support. Once again, The Cows will provide funding for the salaries of these professionals.
Programme Coordinator – Western Cape and Namakwa Region
Due to the vast geographical area of the region, the increase in the number of beneficiaries, and the small amount of staff members employed by CHOC in the Western Cape there is a requirement for an additional staff member to service the entire area. The Cows will provide funding for the salary and costs of a new Programme Coordinator for the region.
Programme vehicle – CHOC Kalahari
At the beginning of 2015, the position for a new programme office opened in the Kalahari covering the raising of awareness for Early Warning Signs of childhood cancer in the area and will ensure practical support such as the provision of food parcels for families travelling through Upington to Bloemfontein and Cape Town etc. The office requires a programme vehicle which The Cows will fund.
Essential maintenance to CHOC House – CHOC Pietermaritzburg
The CHOC House programme is an essential programme within CHOC and a tool that is used during the treatment journey for a family with a child fighting cancer or a life threatening blood disorder. The Cows will cover the costs of maintenance to the PMB House that includes: repairs to roof; painting of the house; repairs to driveway, fence and gate, and renovating bathrooms.
Essential maintenance and running costs to CHOC House – CHOC Pretoria
Situated in Gezina, Pretoria, the house is more than 60 years old and is in need of routine maintenance such as wiring and roof repairs. The Cows will fund the maintenance as well as the costs involved with running the house in 2016.
Essential maintenance to CHOC House – CHOC Port Elizabeth
The Cows will fund the costs involved in getting the roof repaired in Port Elizabeth.
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