A 25 man team from Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA) is due to take part in the annual Cape Argus Cycle Tour event, scheduled to take place this coming Sunday. The initiative is being run under the banner of ‘The I Cycle Challenge’, and seeks to raise funds for IRSAs relief projects across Africa. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycling race in the world.

“As an NGO we always look for innovative ways to keep the community interested and involved in all the various projects we are fundraising for. The I Challenge is just one of those exciting ways in which we have kind of gotten the community involved,” explained IRSA media and communications Manager, Shanaaz Ebrahim-Gire.

Amongst the more prominent members of the team is current VOC Sports Hub presenter, Irafaan Abrahams, who also serves as an IRSA ambassador. Abrahams has made headlines in recent years for his famous Million Rand Marathon Challenge, and has this year pledged to donate the monies raised through this campaign towards IRSAs relief operations.

The team also compromises a collection of amateur and professional cyclists, including Joe Barber star, Oscar Petersen. Each of the cyclists has pledged to raise at least R5000 towards assisting Abrahams in reaching his R1 million goal.

“We at Islamic Relief are overwhelmed by the support that Oscar, as well as the other cyclists has shown towards this project,” she said.

According to Gire, Funds raised through the cycle challenge would go to several IR projects, largely focused on water and sanitation in poverty stricken countries like Mali. Funds would also be channeled for the use of assisting orphans and vulnerable children.

“As we know water is a scarce commodity in Africa, and these are just small projects we’re trying to run and promote amongst the general public, over the need for water. By using the I Challenge and various innovative projects that we are trying to run, we hope to fund raise (the construction of) micro dams and water wells,” she noted.

Gire further challenged the community to come out and pledge at least a minimum of R10 for every kilometer completed by one the cyclists on the day of the event. Donors would be able to track the cyclist’s progress via the IRSA social media accounts, or on the organizations website. Over the next few days, IR will also be rolling out a campaign to introduce the cyclists, via its Facebook page.

To make a donation to the cause, you may call the IRSA toll free number at 0800 111 898, or visit the organizations offices in Imam Haron Rd, Landsdowne, opposite Islamic College. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)