Walking in aid of Hospice

LOCALS and visitors are encouraged to fasten their laces in preparation of the GBS Sunshine Coast Hospice Stride with Pride walks, organised to generate much-needed funds for Hospice.

The annual event, this year with title sponsors GBS, is anticipated to be the biggest yet, with a walk at Mansfield, as well as a walk through Grahamstown on Saturday March 21, and the longer beach walk on Sunday March 22 from Port Alfred to Kleinemonde.

Saturday’s walk is a full-on family affair, and will include a short 7km walk through the beautiful Mansfield Private Game Reserve, starting at Black Rock at 8am.

“We are so lucky and privileged that Mansfield has opened its gates for the walk, allowing those people who have never visited the reserve an opportunity to see the fantastic wildlife for just the cost of entry,” event organiser Karen Long said.

The Mansfield walk will also include two exciting events – falconer Jonathan Arnott will be there with “Parrot”, his lanner falcon, to do a flight demo, and birdman Tim Cockcroft will share some bird spotting tips.

There will also be egg and bacon rolls for sale and free water for walkers, supplied by aQuelle, together with boerewors rolls and salad for sale after the walk.

“At the same time there will be a 5km walk starting at the GBS head office [in Grahamstown], which will take in all the history of our local university city, including the university itself, as well as the many local schools,” Long said.

“Remember, it is not a race, but a family fun walk, all in aid of Sunshine Coast Hospice.”

Then, on Sunday March 22, the big walk along the beach from Port Alfred’s East Beach to Kleinemonde, will start at 8am.

The walk ends at the Kleinemonde Sports Club and lunch will be available for those who would like something to eat after the walk, with a bar available for liquid refreshments.

“The Port Alfred to Kleinemonde walk is always a well-attended event, and this year we would like record numbers to come and join in the fun,” Long said.

The cost of entry is the same for all three events; R60 per adult, R40 for pensioners and R20 for pupils.

Pre-booking can be done through Long by phoning (046) 624-4107 from 8am to 12.30pm. Anyone wishing to take part can also enter on the day.