Change a Life launched in South Africa with the Change a Life Cycle - an exhilarating 3-day cycle along the Zambezi River, which took place from 4 to 9 September 2008. In total, 81 senior company executives stepped up to the plate by not only contributing R20 000 each to Change a Life, but showing the determination to conquer 450 bruising km on the saddle in aid of combating crime.

What transpired was three camaraderie-filled days as four designated teams shared thrills and spills, aching muscles, cold beers, laughter and tears as they wended their way from Victoria Falls through parts of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia’s Caprivi strip and Zambia. Cycling past herds of elephants, enjoying sunset cruises along hippo-lined rivers and drinks under star studded skies was all part of a day’s experience. And on the energy-sapping last day, they conquered an exhausting 220 km, powering their way along the banks of the Zambezi, from the Caprivi Strip into Zambia, then finally over the famous Bridge back to Victoria Falls. This was the BIG challenge of the tour, a bruising ultra-ride that tested the fittest athletes, broke bicycles, brought men and women to tears and highlighted the overwhelming nature of true camaraderie.

When the last group collapsed off their bikes after 14 hours in the saddle to a celebratory welcome in front of the Victoria Falls Hotel, the real spirit of Change a Life was demonstrated. This 3-day cycle and 5-day journey had changed the perspectives of the 81 participants and forged lifelong bonds of friendship. Importantly too it had raised nearly R3 million after costs for Change a Life  - the biggest sum raised in any cycle event in Africa.

Computershare matched rand for rand all donations raised for the Change a Life Cycle, doubling the funds received from cycle participants. The nearly R3 million was channelled to the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust, which funds grassroots projects that help to prevent crime in South Africa.

BENEFICIARIES

Children in the Wilderness gives environmental and life skills training to under-privileged children living around wildlife areas. Nearly 2 700 children have been hosted at camps run by Wilderness Safaris throughout southern Africa, giving them hope and skills for a better future.

The DNA Project is helping to expand the use of DNA evidence in criminal intelligence and create a comprehensive DNA database in South Africa. The Project - founded by lawyer Vanessa Lynch after her father was murdered several years ago – is helping to ensure positive change in legislation around the use of DNA in crime detection and conviction in South Africa. 

Seven times Dusi champion Martin Dreyer launched the Martin Dreyer Change a Life Academy in 2008 to give young residents of the Dusi Valley the opportunity to become successful athletes. After four months of tough physical training and mental preparation, 11 of his protégés earned silver medals in the January 2009 Dusi Marathon. His Change a Life team has now been given cycles and are in training during the 2009 winter months for a range of the country’s toughest bi and tri-athlons.