This past Saturday, 11 November, saw Cape adventurers journeying to the stunning De Bos Backpackers & Camping in Montagu for the 2023 Climb4Hope fundraising event. In a nutshell, Climb4Hope asks participants to find sponsors and hike and/or climb as much as they can in one day to raise money for three worthy causes – Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, Animals Matter Langeberg and DKMS (previously known as the Sunflower Fund).
Read on to find out what Tony Lourens has to say about this year’s event and check out some snaps from the day…
We saw 45 participants join this year’s Climb4Hope climbing and hiking event at De Bos at a bright and early 6.30am.
After registration and a quick briefing, the crowd dispersed – some headed out to the beautiful Oorlogs Kloof, some were on a mission to climb some of the classic ridge lines around Montagu, and others ventured out to various hiking trails and climbing crags. The weather was ideal, with partly cloudy skies and a cool breeze at times.
After a day in the hills, weary participants returned to hand in their “papers”. At 6pm everyone gathered at De Bos again for the evening’s speeches and prize-giving, as well as a short talk from each of the beneficiaries:
- DKMS, who work tirelessly in the field of the recruitment of donors for bone marrow transplants in cancer patients.
- EseltjiesrusDonkeySanctuary, who have a deep love and care for all things donkey.
- Animals Matter Langeberg, who work selflessly to help animals in the Langeberg area.
After all the talks, a great meal was served up by Andy and Tracy from De Bos, who, as usual, did a stellar job.
A huge thanks to everybody who participated as well as to our very generous sponsors: Petzl, Adventure Inc, Cape Union Mart, Outdoor Warehouse, Sportsmans Warehouse, Black Diamond, Montagu Snacks, The Montagu Country Hotel, Sanbona, Excelsior Wines and Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary.
Together we managed to raise in excess of R110 000, which will be split evenly between the 3 beneficiaries.
Thanks also to Tracy and Andy for hosting the event in brilliant style once again! From their cute, entertaining donkeys, to doing an exceptional job with the braaing and food, and the delicious brownies from my wife Patsy, it was an absolutely splendid event. Thanks also to the Montagu Tourism Office for their sponsorship and all the exposure they gave the event – it is much appreciated.
Hope to see you all, and many others, next year again!
Tony
Visit the Climb4Hope website here, and click the buttons below to learn more about the beneficiaries and check out previous Climb4Hope events…
All images courtesy of Tony Lourens.
