James Hislop, one of several Cranleighans who recently completed the gruelling Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race raised over R4000 (£750) for the Khayalethu Youth Centre in North End, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

 

“The money raised by our UK friends will be used to fix the Khayalethu boys’ bicycles,” says Dr Marietjie Van Der Merwe, head of the Khayalethu Youth Centre.

The Khayalethu Youth Centre provides intervention programmes and alternative care for street children, specifically boys, between the ages of 8 and 18, meeting their basic needs through a holistic and developmental approach, with the ultimate aim of re-socialization and family re-unification. Part of the Centre is the Khayalethu Oliver House - a halfway house that bridges the gap between the school-leaving boys and their future.

 

James himself comments, “I was really proud of raising £750 for the Oliver Foundation. Part of the money went towards a gym in a very poor town in Port Elizabeth where two thirds of the occupants are unemployed and one third have AIDS. The money gave the gym some new equipment to allow more memberships.  I was able to meet every member of the gym and took some pictures of when I gave them the equipment: it was a truly emotional experience. The rest of the money went to a special establishment used for taking children from 8-18 off the streets and away from crime and put them through a strict schooling session from where, after they graduate and receive jobs, some have gone on to careers as international dive instructors or builders.

 

The Oliver Foundation sent James the following thank-you:

 

Dear James,

 

Congratulations to both you and partner Will Dixon-Hempstock on your remarkable achievement in paddling from Devizes to Westminster, you succeeded in the most extreme of weather conditions and your fund-raising efforts have immediately been put to good use.

I know it will be very difficult for many people to imagine the impact  that you had yesterday on the young men at Masakhane Gym, when you delivered the multi-gym and cross trainer.  It was a very emotional experience for all of us and particularly moving for Peter, who works so hard to keep these young men motivated and away from a life of crime and the temptation of alcohol and drugs.  This community suffers from 80% unemployment and with 30% of the community affected by Aids there are very few role models for them, many young men live in tin shacks with no electricity and have very little hope for the future.

 

You have also touched the lives of the boys at Khayalethu, providing the necessary funds to service their bicycles.   These boys previously lived on the streets, so, owning and caring for a bicycle not only teaches them the value of possessions but enables them to keep fit and become part of the local cycling community.

 

Thanks James, you have touched the lives of over 60 people with your efforts and the generosity of your friends.

 

With fondest wishes

 

UK registered charity no 1006195