Thank You!

Well it is all over, 4 days, 230km of energy tapping ducking up the Berg River, we completed our journey on Saturday afternoon as we “beach-landed” in Veldrift, next to the Riviera Hotel.

I think Elouise did a sterling job in keeping all of you up to speed with what we are busy with, how we are doing and the level of financial commitments received via pledges and or physical deposits.

All that is left for me is to reflect on the last week and the events. There were two definite aspects that touched me: firstly, the amount of people that are or have been effected by cancer. Nearly all the men on the challenge have either directly or indirectly been affected by cancer. Our contributors, sponsors and auction participants have all been effected. It is a disease that does not get enough exposure through the media and is allocated disproportionate amounts during the annual budget from government and the department of health.

The demand from people infected with HIV/Aid, TB and malaria, are just as great and we also acknowledge the desperate need for resources by the various associations that are trying their best to make a difference.

The second aspect of this challenge that deeply touched me was the involvement of the communities that we interacted with on our way up the Berg. From local school children of Paarl, to children and teachers from Berg River “Skooltjie” (small school”), the farmers at Hermon and Zonquasdrift, the locals of Gouda and “oom Boer” that spent R2000 on a sunvizor that might be worth R100 - all for the cause, the farmers of the Saron area for a lovely lunch, the arrival at Misverstand Dam (Misunderstanding Dam), greeted by Jan “Plank” that supported us from there on every night, all the farmers that attended the auctions, even tough there where numerous other events that day and evening, to the children of Moravia and the placards they made to show the causes of cancer, to Kersefontein and Long Acres Wine Estate in Langebaan, to Sunset Seafood & Steak Restaurant in Laaiplek and finally the congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church of Laaiplek.

Each and everyone contributed in a way that they could; if it wasn't bidding on the auction, or providing accommodation, or warm soup at one of the pit stops, it was through a heartfelt applause as we arrived at our destinations and a word of encouragement.

It gave me hope, it showed me that as long as there are individuals out their willing to give of their time, their will be people willing to contribute and respond to the outcry for help.

Let’s all take something form this, lets believe that cancer CAN be beaten, lets support at least one cause, if not cancer then HIV, or hunger or abused children and women, lets give back to the communities in which we live and sometimes take so much for granted.

In parting, to my team mates, it was a REAL privilege meeting all of you, your spirit, kindness and endearment to this cause, in some cases for as long as 19 years, is beyond believe!

To the major sponsors Metropolitan, The Rola Motor Group, Radio Tygerberg and Beyers Truter from Beyerskloof, without you this would have not been possible. The employees and volunteers of CANSA, thank you for all the humanitarian work put into this hour-by-hour. The money we raised as a community, is utilized by you and we thank you for your hard and diligent work with all the cancer patients in our community..

Last but not least to each and every friend and family member for your contribution to Team Tygerberg’s efforts. With your help we raised R18000 toward CANSA.

Until 2010 when this challenge will celebrate its 20-year anniversary, thanks again for your contribution to this cause and God Bless.

Team Tygerberg

Gustav & Hardus